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

Further east, the situation is more complicated by interstate transfers as well as a more robust pipeline system, albeit one oriented to shipping gas south. —Michael Lynch, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

Since the end of October last year, the Yantar was tracked operating near the shores of several NATO member states in Northern and Western Europe, including Norway, the U.K., France and Spain, as well as in the Irish Sea, which contains submarine pipelines and cables. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

That includes billions in funding for highway construction projects, transit, airports, and even pipeline safety, Davis says. —Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 22 Jan. 2025

Joe Biden’s cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline on his first day in office reversed Trump’s order allowing its construction. —Casey Burgat, TIME, 21 Jan. 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

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