# streamline

/ˈstɹimˌɫaɪn/ (US) · /stɹˈiːmlaɪn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/streamline
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to make a process or organization simpler and more effective. It can also mean to give something a smooth shape so it moves easily through air or water.

For teachers: to improve the efficiency of a process or system by removing unnecessary steps. In a physical context, to design a form that offers minimal resistance to fluid flow.

## Examples

- The company wants to streamline its hiring process.
- By digitizing all paper records, the hospital managed to streamline patient admissions and reduce waiting times significantly.
- Engineers worked to streamline the fuselage, ensuring that the aircraft could maintain high speeds while consuming significantly less fuel during transoceanic flights.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, such as a process, system, or physical object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.