pipeline

American  

[pahyp-lahyn] / ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn /

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.

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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.

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.

pipeline British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to convey by pipeline

2. to supply with a pipeline

Etymology

Origin of pipeline

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

Example Sentences

Skilled trades across the board are suffering a workforce pinch, and fiber doesn’t have the well-worn training pipeline that trades like auto repair, plumbing and electrical power work enjoy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Japan will help us construct one of the largest natural-gas pipelines in the world, in Alaska, to export American energy to our allies in Asia.

From The Wall Street Journal

Smith has indicated that Carney's cooperation on advancing a new oil pipeline to the Pacific coast could be helpful in reducing support for independence.

From Barron's

“We have one of the largest IPO pipelines in our history, reflecting a diverse mix of sectors and geographies,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The agreement sets conditions under which Ottawa could back a new oil-carrying pipeline connecting Alberta’s oil patch to the Pacific Coast.

From The Wall Street Journal

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