noun
pipeline
PYP-lyn
noun
1
A long series of connected pipes used to transport liquids or gases over distance, such as oil or natural gas.
"The new pipeline will carry oil across three states."
2
A system or sequence of stages through which something progresses, such as projects, products, or people.
"The company has several new products in the pipeline."
"The university built a strong pipeline of engineering talent."
How to Use Pipeline
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLiterally, a network of pipes carrying fuel — or, figuratively, a process or supply chain moving something (or someone) step by step toward completion.
Common pairings
in the pipeline
talent pipeline
oil pipeline
Word Forms
pipelined past tense, pipelines plural, pipelines singular
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The new _____ will carry oil across three states.
Etymology
From pipe + line, describing a line of connected pipes.