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

White-collar apprenticeships launched by Accenture, Aon, and JPMorgan Chase provide paid training in consulting, insurance, and finance, with direct pipelines to employment. —Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

The 800-mile-long, 48-inch diameter pipeline pushes oil from Prudhoe Bay to the port of Valdez. —Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025

There’s a crowded pipeline of fintech names that could be next to IPO after Klarna. —Ryan Browne, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025

Also, every dredging job requires pipeline to carry the sand, Niefeld said. —Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Sep. 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