plumbing

[ pluhm-ing ]

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

plumbing

/ ˈplʌmɪŋ /

noun

1. Also calledplumbery 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of plumbing¹

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

Example Sentences

Because water systems in older American cities still contain lead pipes, the EPA issued regulations in October that give cities 10 years to identify and replace lead plumbing, and $2.6 billion to get it done.

From Science Daily

Seismometers placed near the summit have revealed much about Erebus’s shallow magma plumbing.

From Science Magazine

They were trained for trades, but not prepared for professions: carpentry, welding, gardening, plumbing for the boys; sewing and cooking and nursing for the girls.

From Los Angeles Times

But President Boko told the BBC Africa Daily podcast that his initiative would also be an opportunity for his countrymen to learn basic skills, like welding and plumbing, from Zimbabweans.

From BBC

Reflecting on water privatisation in her memoirs, Margaret Thatcher wrote that "the rain may come from the Almighty but he did not send the pipes, plumbing and engineering to go with it".

From BBC

Related Words

• housewares