noun
Common
pipeline
PYP-lyn
Pipeline (noun) means a long series of connected pipes used to transport liquids or gases over distance, such as oil or natural gas. Example: “Workers buried the pipeline underground so it would not spoil the view of the fields.”
noun
1
A long series of connected pipes used to transport liquids or gases over distance, such as oil or natural gas.
"Workers buried the pipeline underground so it would not spoil the view of the fields."
"A leak in the gas pipeline forced engineers to shut off the supply."
"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.
"Every new idea goes through a long pipeline of testing before the public sees it."
"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
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Word forms
- Plural
- pipelines
- Third person singular
- pipelines
- Past tense
- pipelined
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Workers buried the _____ underground so it would not spoil the view of the fields.
Etymology
From pipe + line, describing a line of connected pipes.
Related words
Rhymes for pipeline
See all rhymes for pipeline →Frequently asked questions
What does “pipeline” mean?
The word “pipeline” means a long series of connected pipes used to transport liquids or gases over distance, such as oil or natural gas. In plain terms, literally, a network of pipes carrying fuel — or, figuratively, a process or supply chain moving something (or someone) step by step toward completion.
How do you pronounce “pipeline”?
“Pipeline” is pronounced PYP-lyn (/ˈpaɪpˌlaɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “pipeline” in a sentence?
Here is “pipeline” used in a sentence: “The new pipeline will carry oil across three states.”
What part of speech is “pipeline”?
“Pipeline” is a noun.
Is “pipeline” a common word?
“Pipeline” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pipeline” have?
“Pipeline” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a long series of connected pipes used to transport liquids or gases over distance, such as oil or natural gas.
What is the difference between a pipeline and a pipe?
A pipe is a single tube, while a pipeline is a long series of connected pipes built to carry liquids or gases, such as oil or natural gas, over a long distance. Pipeline also has a figurative sense — a system of stages through which projects, products, or people progress — that pipe does not share.
What is a sales pipeline?
A sales pipeline is the sequence of stages a potential customer moves through, from first contact to a completed sale. It uses the figurative sense of pipeline: a system of stages through which something progresses. The same image appears in "hiring pipeline" and "product pipeline".
Is pipeline one word or two?
Pipeline is written as one word in modern English, whether it refers to physical pipes or to a sequence of stages. Two-word or hyphenated forms are not standard in current usage.
