streamlined

American  

[streem-lahynd] / ˈstrimˌlaɪnd /

adjective

1. having a contour designed to offer the least possible resistance to a current of air, water, etc.; optimally shaped for motion or conductivity.

2. designed or organized to give maximum efficiency; compact.

3. modernized; up-to-date.

---

streamlined British  

/ ˈstriːmˌlaɪnd /

adjective

1. offering or designed to offer the minimum resistance to the flow of a gas or liquid

2. made more efficient, esp by simplifying

---

Other Word Forms

• unstreamlined adjective

Etymology

Origin of streamlined

First recorded in 1890–95; streamline + -ed ²

Explanation

Something that works better because it's been made more efficient or modern is streamlined. Your streamlined system for printing flyers advertising your yard sale means you can print them much faster than before. There are two ways to use the adjective streamlined. First, there's the simplified, more efficient system, like a streamlined healthcare system or a streamlined driver's license process. The second meaning is "sleek" or "aerodynamic." The streamlined shape of a bullet train means it can travel much faster than older, rectangular train cars. The original meaning of streamline, from the 1850s, was "line drawn from point to point, so that its direction is everywhere that of the motion of the fluid." So an object, such as an aircraft or watercraft, that is streamlined has smooth, flowing curves, contoured to offer the least resistance to the flow of air or water.

Example Sentences

But there’s still an audience that craves a more streamlined, efficient way to watch.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The move comes after Disney’s board and newly installed Chief Executive Josh D’Amaro unveiled a more streamlined management structure that sought to centralize its sprawling marketing operations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

NordVPN offers more advanced privacy features, while Surfshark focuses on streamlined security and broad accessibility.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 2026

Diving has also been left out of this summer's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow due to a streamlined, 10-sport programme.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Aerodynamic theory and intuition suggested that the rocket and spacecraft combination should be as streamlined as possible, to minimize aerodynamic drag.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Related Words

• aerodynamic
• modernized
• simplified