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

Photo-illustration by Newsweek/Getty How Research Funding Cuts Could Damage Big Pharma University labs across the country supply Big Pharma with a constant stream of breakthrough ideas and a talent pipeline of PhDs who know how to turn them into therapies. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025

California’s fuel market is geographically isolated, with no pipeline connections to other major U.S. refining hubs like the Gulf Coast. —Californians For Energy Independence, Sacbee.com, 16 June 2025

Unfortunately, this means that even when the US policy environment swings back to being pro-international students, existing pipelines of talent will have new suitors. —Lydiah Kemunto Bosire, semafor.com, 16 June 2025

Thompson referred to all the talent the Wildcats had in their pipeline. —Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 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