streamline

1 of 2

noun

stream·​line ˈstrēm-ˌlīn How to pronounce streamline (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
Trump has long portrayed Social Security as a system rife with waste and fraud, publicly promoting efforts to streamline its administration. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025 The software ecosystem allows for quick creation of 3D apps using Unity templates, and content can be managed just like any other iOS application, streamlining updates and deployment. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025 To streamline treatment for COPD patients, researchers are increasingly looking to the blockbuster GLP-1 drugs, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, which have been shown to tackle multiple health conditions at once. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 7 May 2025 PowerSchool is one of the largest companies in the educational technology industry, which became particularly widespread during the Covid pandemic and uses software to streamline school processes. Kevin Collier, NBC news, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for streamline

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1913, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of streamline was in 1868

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Streamline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/streamline. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on streamline

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!