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 of pipeline

• route
• conduit
• source
• outlet
• 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

Soriot has played this geopolitical game better than many in his industry, transforming AstraZeneca’s global reach as well as its sales, reputation, and pipeline of promising drugs. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 20 Feb. 2026

With a deep pipeline of large-scale shows and ticket demand continuing its ascent, we are positioned for another year of double-digit operating income and AOI growth in 2026. —Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026

The company’s goal is to tap into an affluent crowd of parents, while also bringing SPIRE’s sponsors, financial backers and professional athlete alumni into its pipeline. —Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 19 Feb. 2026

Managing rivers in a warming climate Meghan Quinn, California dam removal director at American Rivers, said the rupture underscores the risks that come with trying to manage rivers primarily through aging dams and pipelines in an era of more extreme swings between drought and downpours. —Chaewon Chung, Sacbee.com, 19 Feb. 2026

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