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 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of plumbing¹

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

Example Sentences

Beijing is laying the first pipe for financial plumbing in a post-American world—where U.S. sanctions no longer matter.

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The country had productive water-focused agricultural planning, major cities’ plumbing upgraded to reduce leaks, and several desalination plants—all designed, built and operated by Israelis in partnership with Iranian experts and engineers.

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At the time, tall buildings were grappling with how to supply heating and plumbing across dozens of floors.

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And while $300,000 or less sounds like a nice round figure, it could quickly end up costing more when plumbing and other foreseen and unforeseen structural conditions are taken into account.

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Changes to the Fed’s balance sheet impact the plumbing of the financial system in a way that most investors aren’t likely to notice unless something breaks down.

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Related Words

• housewares