pipeline

noun

pipe·​line ˈpīp-ˌlīn How to pronounce pipeline (audio)
1
a
: a line of pipe with pumps, valves, and control devices for conveying liquids, gases, or finely divided solids
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

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 Enbridge has pipelines other than Line 5 that run through the Great Lakes basin. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2024 But recently the California Assembly has been putting kinks in the state’s startup pipeline. Jordan McGillis, Orange County Register, 11 Mar. 2024 The remaining 41 percent is for upgrades, maintenance and debt service for the city’s water system, such as on the ongoing project of replacing 40 miles of pipelines each year to reduce pipeline failures. Kobi Bardugo, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024 In 2023, National Transportation Safety Board investigators concluded that the ruptured pipeline had been struck by two cargo ship anchors and that the pipeline company subsequently failed to follow protocols. Jireh Deng, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Change Healthcare processes 15 billion medical claims a year, far more than any other company, and is a critical pipeline connecting health-care organizations with insurance companies who review their claims, pay for their services and determine the costs of care for patients. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 6 Mar. 2024 The sweeping bill makes lots of other changes, including rolling back some regulations on natural gas pipelines by making it so any pipeline shorter than 100 miles wouldn’t have to go through a certification process. Emily L. Mahoney, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 Even more insulting, PG&E continues profligate spending on massive advertising campaigns, widespread litigation and needless projects such as tree-cutting above gas pipelines. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024 Given the evidence that gender diversity at decision making tables produces higher quality decisions, ensuring gender diverse pipelines of talent up the organizational ladder is more critical than ever for long term growth. Dr Margie Warrell, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pipeline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pipeline was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near pipeline

Cite this Entry

“Pipeline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pipeline. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on pipeline

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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