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

The explosion is the latest in a series of gas-safety incidents involving PG&E, evoking memories of a 2010 blast in San Bruno that killed eight people and destroyed dozens of homes after an aging pipeline owned by the utility ruptured. —Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2026

Moreover, this project flips a traditional engineering problem; vibrations that typically cause structural damage to underwater pipelines are now being harnessed as a power source. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026

The Shreveport deal is Jackson’s latest move in building a production ecosystem outside the usual Hollywood-Atlanta pipeline. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 15 Jan. 2026

Executives expect deals to pick up in 2026, with a strong pipeline and corporate clients who pushed off activity coming back to the market. —Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 14 Jan. 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