1 C1 neutral
to transport a liquid, gas, heat, or sound into a place through pipes or tubes
"Fresh water is piped in from the hills."
mixed
pipe in
C1 neutral mixed transitive/intransitive
to bring something in through pipes, or to suddenly add a comment in conversation
In plain English
to send something in by pipe, or speak up suddenly
What does "pipe in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic informal
to suddenly join a conversation by speaking, often from the side or unexpectedly
"At that point, Maya piped in with a better idea."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to send in through a pipe
Actually means
to send something in by pipe, or speak up suddenly
Usage tip
The engineering sense is technical but straightforward. The speaking sense is informal and less common than 'chime in'.
Words that pair with "pipe in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
gas water music comment voice heating
How to conjugate "pipe in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pipe in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pipes in
he/she/it
Past simple
piped in
yesterday
Past participle
piped in
have + pp
-ing form
piping in
continuous
Hear "pipe in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "pipe in"
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Keep exploring
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