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

The remaining inventories are needed to maintain minimum operating levels in pipelines and storage facilities to keep supply chains functioning. —CNBC, 18 May 2026

Long-range attacks Ukraine has stepped up drone attacks on targets deep inside Russia in recent weeks, aiming to knock out oil refineries, depots and pipelines, as both sides seek to degrade each other’s infrastructure. —Reuters, NBC news, 17 May 2026

With a moniker drawn from Greek mythology, the trio intends for Ariadne to be a revenue-sharing hub for creators to navigate IP, wellness tech, production, distribution and the digital economy pipeline. —Dominic Patten, Deadline, 17 May 2026

The standards reward including underrepresented people somewhere in a major studio movie’s pipeline, and the two-of-four math is loose enough that period pieces and war films clear it without anyone on set thinking about it. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 17 May 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