pipeline

noun

pipe·​line ˈpīp-ˌlīn How to pronounce pipeline (audio)
Synonyms of pipelinenext
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

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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
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.
Murphy has built an empire by keeping a full-to-bursting pipeline of shows and returning to certain creative wells. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026 Thousands of gallons of crude oil were dumped into the river in May when a construction crew trying to lay fiber-optic cable hit a pipeline carrying the substance from Kern County to the Port of Los Angeles. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 Natural gas demand has increased among sectors where pipeline connections remain limited or temporary supply is needed. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026 Next up in the development pipeline is Bally’s Chicago, which has been operating out of a temporary casino at Medinah Temple since September 2023. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pipeline

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pipeline was in 1856

Phrases Containing pipeline

Rhymes for pipeline

See All Rhymes for pipeline

Browse Nearby Words

pipelike
pipeline
pipeliner
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Cite this Entry

“Pipeline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pipeline. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pipeline

noun
pipe·​line ˈpī-ˌplīn How to pronounce pipeline (audio)
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

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