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

Last month, Bass said that more than 16,000 affordable housing units had entered the city’s pipeline since the start of the ED1 program. —David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2024

While Powell and McConaughey have had similar career trajectories — including their pipeline from romantic comedies to action films and producing — the Top Gun: Maverick actor jokes the common thread is their love of Texas Longhorns football. —Kelsie Gibson, Peoplemag, 28 May 2024

That’s not all, with efforts from the union to discourage the use of AI in the production pipeline. —Winston Cho, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 May 2024

However, the greatest pipeline of Black teachers already exists: Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Valentine said. —Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 15 May 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