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

The line includes cotton sateen sheets ($1,300) and duvet sets ($1,500) in white with gray piping, as well as a three-piece towel set ($408) and a bath mat ($300) also in white. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 Apr. 2024

The buildings have damaged construction materials with loose and falling sheet metal, broken windows, corroded piping, and deteriorated awnings. —Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2024

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

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