pipeline

play

noun pipe·line \ ˈpīp-ˌlīn \

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

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 were a precursor, causing spills of 750,000 gallons of petroleum products from offshore platforms, rigs and pipelines, according to estimates by the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

— clifford krauss and hiroko tabuchi, New York Times, "Harvey’s Toll on Energy Industry Shows a Texas Vulnerability," 29 Aug. 2017
The deal has raised concerns that Sanofi might try to jack up the price of the vaccine, but other options are also in the pipeline.

— andy marso, kansascity, "Visiting NIH researcher says Zika vaccine coming soon," 29 Aug. 2017
But the lack of experienced black stunt performers also points to a greater problem: if more black performers were hired, properly trained, and put in through the stunt pipeline in the first place, perhaps tragedies like this could be avoided.

— yohana desta, HWD, "Stunt Community Says Deadpool 2 Tragedy “Absolutely Could Have Been Prevented”," 17 Aug. 2017
Those solicitations are still apparently in the pipeline.

— sheldon s. shafer, The Courier-Journal, "State wants more sports and entertainment options near Kentucky Expo Center," 8 Aug. 2017
The deal is part of a larger, previously announced plan to draw salty water from the Red Sea to a massive desalination plant, which will then move fresh water via pipeline to Jordan, Israel and the Palestinians.

— william booth, Washington Post, "With a push from Trump’s envoy, Israel and the Palestinians make a water deal," 13 July 2017
Last year, tribes started setting up teepees to protest the pipeline.

— rosalie chan, Teen Vogue, "6 Pipelines Projects You Need to Know About," 12 July 2017
Aegle, which licensed University of Miami technology, was one of the companies in the pipeline to receive Institute funding.

— nancy dahlberg, miamiherald, "Tech funders, startups already feeling sting of state budget cuts," 10 July 2017
The Lauderdale [Dania Beach] site currently features access to transmission, natural gas pipelines and water supply facilities near a major load pocket that can be utilized by the new generating unit.

— jim saunders, miamiherald, "FPL proposes new power plant in Broward on an existing site," 5 July 2017

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

play

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

play

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 for English Language Learners

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