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

Operational floor To release oil from the SPR, operators pump water into the bottom of the caverns to displace the crude to the surface and pump it through wells into pipelines. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

Since then, the continent has greatly reduced its imports of Moscow’s gas — the bulk of which arrived via pipelines — as well as reduced its overall consumption. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

The two companies have a number of complementary businesses — including substantial pipeline and storage networks — but combining the operations would have been thorny. — Rohan Goswami, semafor.com, 14 Aug. 2026

As Houthi threats to the Bab el Mandeb Strait increase, so, too, may interest in developing pipeline capacity through the Red Sea. — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 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

• alkaline
• andesine
• anodyne
• anticline
• arginine
• asinine
• benzidine
• borderline
• byzantine
• calamine
• caroline
• centerline

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