plumbing

noun

plumb·​ing ˈplə-miŋ How to pronounce plumbing (audio)
Synonyms of plumbingnext
1
: the act of using a plumb
2
: a plumber's occupation or trade
3
a
: the apparatus (such as pipes and fixtures) concerned in the distribution and use of water in a building
b
: an internal system that resembles plumbing
especially : one consisting of conduits or channels for conveying fluids

Examples of plumbing in a Sentence

The house has old plumbing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The necessary plumbing and venting hookups are already installed. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026 And somebody in your plumbing meeting already knows all of this. — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026 The plumbing was failing, the floors were uneven and posed tripping hazards, the foundation was crumbling and sewage sometimes backed up into a corner of the kitchen. — Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 7 Aug. 2026 According to Kendall Craig, the plumbing manager for Fox Service Company in Austin, Texas, this is to be expected over time in almost any house. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plumbing

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plumbing was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing plumbing

Rhymes for plumbing

See All Rhymes for plumbing

Browse Nearby Words

plumb in
plumbing
plumbing fixture
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plumbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plumbing. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

plumbing

noun
plumb·​ing ˈpləm-iŋ How to pronounce plumbing (audio)
1
: a plumber's work
2
: a system of pipes for supplying and carrying off water in a building
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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