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

Or succession pipelines still anchored in tenure over future skills. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025

Needham upgrades Boston Scientific to buy from hold Needham says the med tech manufacturer has a diverse pipeline. —Michael Bloom, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025

What’s more, an agent working in the brand space said that, historically, brands were willing to spend millions on such projects, but the distribution pipeline wasn’t yet there. —Brian Welk, IndieWire, 16 Apr. 2025

Currently, only one pipeline—running through Turkey—can directly supply Russian gas to Europe. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 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