plumbing

American  

[pluhm-ing] / ˈplʌm ɪŋ /

noun

1. the system of pipes and other apparatus for conveying water, liquid wastes, etc., as in a building.

2. the work or trade of a plumber.

3. act of a person who plumbs, as in ascertaining depth.

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plumbing British  

/ ˈplʌmɪŋ /

noun

1. Also called: plumbery.  the trade or work of a plumber

2. the pipes, fixtures, etc, used in a water, drainage, or gas installation

3. the act or procedure of using a plumb to gauge depth, a vertical, etc

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Etymology

Origin of plumbing

First recorded in 1660–70; plumb + -ing ¹

Explanation

Indoor plumbing is what makes civilization great. Plumbing refers to the pipes that get the water in and the sewage out. If a snake shows up in the toilet, it probably came in through the plumbing. Yikes! You can use the noun plumbing whether you're talking about the bathroom sink, the pipes connected to your dishwasher, or the bathtub drain. A home's heating system often consists of plumbing too. The work of fixing or installing this type of system is also plumbing. The word's earliest meaning was "the weighting of a fishing line," from plumb, originally "to sink like lead," which has the Latin root plumba, or "lead."

Example Sentences

But taxes, bureaucracy, and capital controls have kept its financial plumbing offshore where possible, in Singapore, Mauritius, or Dubai.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

The actor claimed that the problems included “ongoing rodent issues” and having to make “repeated requests for repairs” for his bathroom and plumbing.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

During his father’s absences, young Chuck spent part of his childhood in the home of his maternal grandmother in Wilson, Okla., where the family lacked indoor plumbing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Evy is the skeptic who dismisses the noises as either an online hoax or bad plumbing.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

A few relatives, the Connellys from next door, a couple old guys from the plumbing place where the corpse used to work.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx

Related Words

• housewares