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. 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

Example Sentences

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

I know that not everybody is interested in the precise form of plumbing by which they heat their home, but it's a topic I've become obsessed with.

From BBC • Mar. 22, 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

They saw piles of rolled rugs, broken benches, a tangle of plumbing pipes, even a claw-foot bathtub.

From "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett

Related Words

• housewares