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

• 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

Abouhossein added that although Goldman Sachs remains on track to hit its targets as deals come through the investment banking fee pipeline, shares have already priced in this outperformance. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025

For physicians, our pipeline starts with medical students, continues through residency and fellowship, and culminates in selecting top candidates as attending surgeons. —Prof. Dr. Med. Mazda Farshad, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025

Kinder Morgan ranked 193 on the 2025 Fortune 500 ranking, with more than 30,000 miles of pipeline and a $66 billion market cap. —Sydney Lake, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025

Many fear a similar pipeline mishap on the Straits bottom, where Great Lakes Michigan and Huron meet, would be greatly more devastating. —Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 21 Oct. 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