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 ballot will be for about 1,000 members of staff who are part of Unite the Union, mainly involved in housing maintenance work, like plumbing and heating engineering.

From BBC

And even if the residents are allowed to return, they wouldn’t be able to build new homes until the owners fix or replace damaged foundations and hookups for electricity and plumbing.

From Los Angeles Times

Hiring, he said, has become more difficult for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades because of retirements and immigration policy.

From The Wall Street Journal

Tarique Rahman, a leading contender for prime minister, said his BNP party plans to offer incentives to grow labor-intensive sectors such as footwear and pharmaceuticals and expand vocational training in trades like plumbing and carpentry.

From The Wall Street Journal

By the 1970s, the health dangers were well established, prompting the EPA to begin removing lead from paint, plumbing materials, gasoline, and other consumer products.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• housewares