streamline

1 of 2

noun

stream·​line ˈstrēm-ˌlīn 

1

: the path of a particle in a fluid relative to a solid body past which the fluid is moving in smooth flow without turbulence

2

a

: a contour designed to minimize resistance to motion through a fluid (such as air)

b

: a smooth or flowing line designed as if for decreasing air resistance

streamline

2 of 2

verb

streamlined; streamlining; streamlines

transitive verb

1

: to design or construct with a streamline

2

: to bring up to date : modernize

3

a

: to put in order : organize

b

: to make simpler or more efficient

a system that streamlines the process

Synonyms of streamline

Verb

• simplify

Examples of streamline in a Sentence

Verb

The manufacturer has streamlined the car's design.

The business is looking for ways to streamline production.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

One of them is Charter Amendment PL, a package of five proposals that would streamline certain parts of the Planning Department, which controls land use, signs off on construction and renovation projects and guides growth. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Permitting legislation, in particular, was viewed as a way to address the cost of living, given its focus on streamlining energy projects. — David Sivak, The Washington Examiner, 30 Sep. 2026

The shows are part of a growing cottage industry that the city is supporting by streamlining the permit process and giving out awards to creators. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Designers are streamlining and zeroing in on what matters to them. — Adrian Madlener, Curbed, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for streamline

• affine
• airline
• align
• aline
• assign
• baseline
• beamline
• benign
• bloodline
• bovine
• brucine
• byline

Kids Definition

streamline

verb

stream·​line

ˈstrēm-ˌlīn

1

: to design or construct with an outline which makes motion through water or air easier

2

: to bring up to date : modernize

3

: to make simpler, more effective, or more productive