pipeline

noun pipe·line \ ˈpīp-ˌlīn \

Updated on: 13 Apr 2018

Definition of pipeline

1 a : a line of pipe with pumps, valves, and control devices for conveying liquids, gases, or finely divided solids

b : pipe 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

See pipeline defined for English-language learners

See pipeline defined for kids

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 of pipeline from the Web

The Oregon State Beavers hosted more than a dozen Oregon high school football stars over the weekend, hoping to continue to build its in-state pipeline.

— andrew nemec, OregonLive.com, "Churchill HS trio impressed during Oregon State Beavers visit," 9 Apr. 2018
The town has an April 18 deadline to get the project in the pipeline.

— denise coffey, Courant Community, "Canterbury Boards Battle Over Roof Replacement, Education Budget," 3 Apr. 2018
AstraZeneca was able to improve its standing in IDEA’s list through promising clinical data for its experimental drug pipeline and a number of new products that recently hit the market.

— sy mukherjee, Fortune, "Brainstorm Health: Most Innovative Drug Makers, Israel's Health Data Push, Shire Stock Soars," 28 Mar. 2018
Deal Pressure Pfizer has faced pressure from investors to make deals and grow its pipeline.

— Bloomberg.com, "Sell, Spin or Keep? Pfizer in a Quandary on Advil-Chapstick Unit," 23 Mar. 2018
The jury is still out on his next move, but Jones' departure only adds to the rumors that've already circulated the industry pipeline, which include possible jumps to Versace or Burberry.

— refinery29.com, "Kim Jones Is Moving To Dior Homme," 19 Mar. 2018
Be a Leader Foundation, Phoenix $10,000 Funds will be used to continue to grow our pipeline of college-going programs focused on providing students from middle school through high school with access to college-going training and mentoring.

— grace palmieri, azcentral, "Season for Sharing awards grants to 153 Arizona non-profits," 15 Mar. 2018
That land is less desirable because it is bisected by a large gas pipeline, complicating development.

— chris sikich, Indianapolis Star, "Carmel staff recommends approval of mosque," 26 Feb. 2018
The Brewers have some promising pitching prospects in the pipeline, most notably right-handers Corbin Burnes, Freddy Peralta and Luis Ortiz.

— tom haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Starting pitching: With Jimmy Nelson on the mend, Brewers rotation up for grabs entering camp," 13 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pipeline.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of pipeline

1856

pipeline Synonyms

Synonyms

channel;

Related Words

avenue, conduit, route;

grapevine, outlet;

fountainhead, origin, source, wellspring;

supplier;

connection, contact;

PIPELINE Defined for English Language Learners

pipeline

noun

Definition of pipeline for English Language Learners

: a line of connected pipes that are used for carrying liquids and gases over a long distance
the pipeline : the system for developing and producing something

PIPELINE Defined for Kids

pipeline

noun pipe·line \ ˈpīp-ˌlīn \

Definition of pipeline for Students

: a line of connected pipes with pumps and control devices for carrying liquids or gases over a long distance

Learn More about pipeline

See words that rhyme with pipeline Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pipeline Spanish Central: Translation of pipeline Nglish: Translation of pipeline for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pipeline for Arabic speakers

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pipeline

Definition of pipeline

Examples of pipeline in a Sentence

Recent Examples of pipeline from the Web

First Known Use of pipeline

pipeline Synonyms

Synonyms

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PIPELINE Defined for English Language Learners

pipeline

Definition of pipeline for English Language Learners

PIPELINE Defined for Kids

pipeline

Definition of pipeline for Students

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PIPELINE Defined for English Language Learners

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Definition of pipeline for English Language Learners

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pipeline

Definition of pipeline for Students

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