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

Flag football doesn’t exactly have a straightforward pipeline into tackle football and other arenas where its athletic skills can translate, yet Shank still sees opportunities abound in the sport. —Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2024

Sun Pan believes that China has a complete apparel industry pipeline that starts with raw materials and goes through production processing, logistics distribution, to terminal sales, enabling the completion of the entire process from design to finished product in a relatively short time. —Li Jun, WWD, 1 Oct. 2024

One thing seems to be clear: The pressured pipeline isn’t the only one that holds weight. —Chloe Berger, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2024

The inaugural yacht race, which begins Oct. 5, is in part intended as a pipeline for women to eventually enter and compete in the America's Cup alongside male sailors. —Alondra Valle, ABC News, 30 Sep. 2024

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