channeling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to Technical; the spiritual sense is informal/New Age.
Quick answer
What does “channeling” mean?
the act of directing something (energy, resources, thoughts) through a specific pathway or medium.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
the act of directing something (energy, resources, thoughts) through a specific pathway or medium; also refers to the spiritual practice of serving as a conduit for messages or energies from non-physical sources.
In broader contexts, it can mean focusing effort or emotion productively, or the physical/technical process of creating or using a channel or groove.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'channelling' (double L), US 'channeling' (single L). Usage frequency of the spiritualist sense is similar, but general usage slightly more common in US technical/business contexts.
Connotations
The general sense is neutral/technical. The spiritualist sense carries connotations of esotericism, New Age beliefs, or mediumship.
Frequency
The verb 'channel' is frequent (B1). The noun 'channeling' is lower frequency (C1), mostly found in specialized contexts (engineering, spirituality, management).
Grammar
How to Use “channeling” in a Sentence
channel something into somethingchannel something through somethingchannel something towards somethingbe channeled from somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “channeling” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is channelling all her energy into the final project.
- The charity is channelling donations to the disaster zone.
American English
- He is channeling his frustration into his artwork.
- The new policy channels investment toward green energy.
adverb
British English
- This is not used.
- N/A
American English
- This is not used.
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The channelling process requires careful planning.
- A spirit-channelling session was held.
American English
- The channeling device malfunctioned.
- She attended a channeling workshop.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Directing financial resources or strategic effort. 'The channeling of venture capital into tech startups has slowed.'
Academic
Describing the flow of energy, information, or resources in systems. 'The study examined the social channeling of educational opportunities.'
Everyday
Focusing emotions or energy constructively. 'She's channeling her grief into charity work.'
Technical
Creating pathways for fluids, signals, or particles. 'The channeling of ions through the membrane is crucial.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “channeling”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “channeling”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “channeling”
- Confusing with 'canal' or 'canaling'.
- Using 'channeling' as a simple synonym for 'doing' or 'feeling' (e.g., *'I am channeling happy' is wrong).
- Misspelling as 'chanelling'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a spelling difference. 'Channeling' is the standard American English spelling. 'Channelling' is the standard British English spelling, following the rule of doubling the final L before a suffix when the stress is on the final syllable (chan-NEL -> channelling).
No. While 'channeling' is a well-known term in spiritual/New Age circles for communicating with spirits, its more common general meaning is the act of directing or conveying something (like energy, effort, or money) through a particular course or medium.
Yes, but less commonly. It can function as a participial adjective (e.g., 'a channeling session', 'the channeling mechanism'). It is not a base adjective.
A common mistake is using it too broadly as a synonym for 'expressing' or 'feeling'. Correctly, it implies direction, focus, or transmission through a defined pathway. For example, 'channeling anger' means focusing that anger into a specific action, not merely feeling angry.
the act of directing something (energy, resources, thoughts) through a specific pathway or medium.
Channeling is usually formal to technical; the spiritual sense is informal/new age. in register.
Channeling: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃæn.əl.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃæn.əl.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Channel your inner strength”
- “A channel for change”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TV CHANNEL directing a signal to your screen. CHANNEL-ING is the act of directing something specific (like energy or money) to a specific place or purpose.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONDUIT / PATHWAY FOR FORCES: Ideas, energy, and resources are fluids or currents that can be directed along specific routes.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, 'channeling' most closely means: