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

In addition, the sheer scale of the potential offering could draw capital away from smaller deals, leaving the broader IPO pipeline more vulnerable.

From Barron's

The acquisition brings a new approach to treating allergic diseases to the company’s immunology pipeline.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is given the Chinese energy major’s extensive pipeline assets and diversified supply sources, says the director.

From The Wall Street Journal

He also highlighted a five-year innovation pipeline intended to support both core confectionery and newer categories.

From The Wall Street Journal

If pipeline gas is a marriage between two countries, seaborne cargoes of the superchilled gas allow for a less committed relationship.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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