piping

1 of 2

noun

pip·​ing ˈpī-piŋ 

1

a

: a sound, note, or call like that of a pipe

b

: the music of a pipe

2

: a quantity or system of pipes

3

: trimming stitched in seams or along edges (as of clothing, slipcovers, or curtains)

piping

2 of 2

adjective

1

: shrill

a piping voice

2

: tranquil

piping times of peace

—William Shakespeare

Synonyms

Adjective

• high-pitched
• screeching
• shrieking
• shrill
• squeaking
• squeaky
• treble
• whistling

Examples of piping in a Sentence

Noun

There's a problem with the piping in the building.

a sofa trimmed with blue piping

a uniform with yellow piping down the pants

Adjective

the piping voices of small children

the piping sound of the teakettle caught my attention

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Pros & Cons Product specs Best Splurge: Alo Airlift High-Waist Suit Up Legging Alo Airlift High-Waist Suit Up Legging $138 Alo These sporty tights have a boxer-style waistband and flattering piping that goes across the glutes and down the legs. —Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 16 Apr. 2025

New threads The Twins debuted their latest City Connect look on Friday, pairing white pants with yellow and blue piping down the leg. —Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 11 Apr. 2025

Adjective

Churchill helps install water heaters, re-piping houses, etc., for Gregory J. Ostroski Heating and Plumbing in Billerica. —BostonGlobe.com, 17 Oct. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing piping

• piping hot
• piping plover

Rhymes for piping

• griping
• sniping
• striping
• swiping
• taiping
• typing
• wiping
• electrotyping
• stereotyping
• genotyping
• subtyping

Kids Definition

piping

noun

pip·​ing

ˈpī-piŋ

1

a

: the music of a pipe

b

: a shrill sound or call

the piping of frogs

2

: a quantity or system of pipes

3

: a narrow fold of fabric used to decorate seams or edges