plumbing

noun

plumb·​ing ˈplə-miŋ 

1

: the act of using a plumb

2

: a plumber's occupation or trade

3

a

: the apparatus (such as pipes and fixtures) concerned in the distribution and use of water in a building

b

: an internal system that resembles plumbing

especially : one consisting of conduits or channels for conveying fluids

Examples of plumbing in a Sentence

The house has old plumbing.

Recent Examples on the Web

The property lacked plumbing, electricity and even road access. —Julie Lasky, New York Times, 4 Apr. 2025

Also, a nearly $4,000 plumbing issue in 2023 almost forced the shop to close. —Karla Marie Sanford, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2025

In the past year, Belmont has made some improvements, including redoing the roof and installing new plumbing and electrical systems. —Tori Latham, Robb Report, 2 Apr. 2025

The quote only covered the plumbing drain pipes and water lines that would be under the slab of the house. —Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing plumbing

• indoor plumbing
• plumbing fixture

Rhymes for plumbing

• coming
• cumming
• drumming
• gumming
• humming
• numbing
• strumming
• summing
• thrumming
• thumbing
• becoming
• forthcoming

Kids Definition

plumbing

noun

plumb·​ing ˈpləm-iŋ 

1

: a plumber's work

2

: a system of pipes for supplying and carrying off water in a building