pipeline

noun

pipe·​line ˈpīp-ˌlīn 

1

a

: a line of pipe with pumps, valves, and control devices for conveying liquids, gases, or finely divided solids

b

: pipe sense 2b

2

: a direct channel for information

3

: a process or channel of supply

an arms pipeline

4

: a state of development, preparation, or production

several projects in the pipeline

also : the system for such processes

a strong product pipeline

5

: a course of individual advancement or development especially to fill organizational needs

Synonyms

• channel

Examples of pipeline in a Sentence

an equipment hauler serves as the columnist's pipeline for gossip about the rock band

the battle was ultimately lost because the enemy had destroyed our pipeline for resupply

Recent Examples on the Web

Employers that truly want to build a sustainable talent pipeline will need to: Reintroduce true entry-level opportunities that don’t require years of experience. —Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

Continue reading … ‘A MASSIVE PROJECT’ – Ex-Trump energy secretary reveals how long Keystone XL pipeline could take to finish. —Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025

In early 1985, reportedly close to unlocking a multibillion-dollar drug pipeline, Camarena was kidnapped while headed to meet his wife. —Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 28 Feb. 2025

But the swiftness with which proposals have jumped from prominent conservative figures online to Mr. Musk’s team and the various departments has suggested a more or less direct pipeline through which outside activists can lobby for nearly instant changes, all through a handful of keystrokes. —Zach Montague, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing pipeline

• come down the pipeline
• in the pipeline
• the pipeline

Rhymes for pipeline

• acridine
• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• atropine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine

Kids Definition

pipeline

noun

pipe·​line ˈpī-ˌplīn 

1

: a line of pipe with pumps, valves, and control devices for carrying liquids, gases, or finely divided solids

2

: a direct channel for information or supplies