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

Our research consistently shows how closed many of these pipelines actually are, even when shortages on the other side are acute and well documented. — Svenja Gudell, Fortune, 18 July 2026

Schulman said Burberry is working with Coty’s executive chair and interim CEO Markus Strobel, with both teams developing marketing content and a pipeline of projects together. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 17 July 2026

Shares also hit fresh highs this week and HSBC upgraded the stock to a buy rating, citing new AI capabilities and a strong product pipeline. — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 17 July 2026

The regions that organize around that reality first will be the ones whose talent pipelines — and whose residents — come out ahead. — Matt Gandal, Forbes.com, 17 July 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

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline

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