English Channel

American  

noun

1. an arm of the Atlantic Ocean between southern England and northern France, connected with the North Sea by the Strait of Dover. 350 miles (565 kilometers) long; 20–100 miles (32–160 kilometers) wide.

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English Channel British  

noun

1. French name: La Manche.  an arm of the Atlantic Ocean between S England and N France, linked with the North Sea by the Strait of Dover. Length: about 560 km (350 miles). Width: between 32 km (20 miles) and 161 km (100 miles)

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English Channel Cultural  

1. Arm of the Atlantic Ocean between France and Britain.

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Discover More

A tunnel under the channel connects England and France via auto-carrying train service.

Its cold, choppy waters have been a popular challenge for long-distance swimmers.

A formation of high bluffs on the British side of the English Channel is known as the White Cliffs of Dover.

Example Sentences

Between 1 January and 26 March 2026, a total of 4,441 people crossed the English Channel by small boat from France.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

The UK is locked in last-minute talks with France over the renewal of a deal to pay for beach patrols to intercept small boats in the English Channel.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

It was escorted by a Russian navy ship across the English Channel, but the two vessels parted ways when the tanker entered the Atlantic Ocean, according to the British Royal Navy.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

It was escorted by a Russian navy ship across the English Channel, but the two vessels split when the tanker entered the Atlantic, according to the British Royal Navy.

From Barron's • Mar. 29, 2026

Even with the shortages, and the blackout, and the bombs, and the rules, and daily life so drab and dull most of the time—once you cross the English Channel you are free.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein