pipeline

[pahyp-lahyn]

noun

1. a long tubular conduit or series of pipes, often underground, with pumps and valves for flow control, used to transport crude oil, natural gas, water, etc., especially over great distances.

2. a route, channel, or process along which something passes or is provided at a steady rate; means, system, or flow of supply or supplies.

   Freighters and cargo planes are a pipeline for overseas goods.

3. a channel of information, especially one that is direct, privileged, or confidential; inside source; reliable contact.

verb (used with object)

pipelined, pipelining 

1. to convey by or as if by pipeline.

   to pipeline oil from the far north to ice-free ports; to pipeline graduates into the top jobs.

pipeline

/ ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn /

noun

1. a long pipe, esp underground, used to transport oil, natural gas, etc, over long distances

2. a medium of communication, esp a private one

3. in the process of being completed, delivered, or produced

verb

1. to convey by pipeline

2. to supply with a pipeline

Word History and Origins

Origin of pipeline¹

First recorded in 1855–60; pipe ¹ + line ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. in the pipeline,

   1. Informal. in the process of being developed, provided, or completed; in the works; under way.

   2. Government Informal. (of funds) authorized but not spent.

Example Sentences

Pagan, 37, was a teen when he committed his crime, and hopes his new skills directing movies could one day offer "a pipeline to Hollywood, to employment."

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The Russian oil-and-gas industry, which is the main source of currency for the Russian state, is particularly exposed, with key pipeline nodes, pumping stations and export ports within range.

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“Management noted the discussions with its top hyperscale customers are robust and leading to the largest pipeline on record,” wrote J.P.

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It keeps open the pipeline of accomplished young scientists without whom U.S. distinction in science would be unsustainable.

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“As more great new partners join our team, and in light of our strong backlog and robust pipelines, we are optimistic about our prospects for the fourth quarter and for 2026,” Lane said.

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Related Words

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