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

The Hungarian government argues that land-based pipelines are the cheapest way to receive oil, and that with no sea coast of its own, it has no alternative.

Read more on BBC

The pipeline for partnerships is more robust than it’s ever been, and it includes a good number of Korean-based brands.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The risk is that without a long pipeline of new fundraising, supported by strong performance, the growth math for these increasingly giant managers could become troubled over time.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Paramount currently has 14 of his shows in production or in the pipeline over the next few years.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Looking ahead, they say CIMB’s outlook could remain positive, underpinned by healthy loan growth and strong investment banking deal pipelines.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• agenda 
• almanac 
• card 
• chronology 
• diary 
• docket 
• journal 
• lineup 
• list 
• program 
• table 
• timetable