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

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, an independent agency, controls the siting of oil and natural gas pipelines and interstate electricity transmission lines. —Margaret E. Kosal, The Conversation, 12 Jan. 2025

This year, vendors demonstrated newer, more powerful tools with the potential to automate bigger chunks of the production pipeline. —Rob Salkowitz, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

The Yamal-Europe pipeline through Belarus to Poland soon closed. —Charles Maynes, NPR, 9 Jan. 2025

Perhaps even more important, what then happens is that Merkel pushes ahead with the creation of Nord Stream 2 [a natural-gas pipeline running between Russia and Germany]. —Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 8 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