plumbing

1 of 2

noun

plumb·​ing ˈplə-miŋ 

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

plumbing

2 of 2

present participle of plumb entry 3

Examples of plumbing in a Sentence

Noun

The house has old plumbing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In 2018, Ang Tshering Lama—the son of Rinzi Pasang Lama, who had built the house with Monzino—completed a total overhaul of the 1970s plumbing and electricity. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026

Sebalt said funding for plumbing, sewage and enough street light poles for others to move in was sourced in small chunks and much too slowly. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026

During the family’s ownership, nearly every window was replaced with an exact replica of the original, while the plumbing, wiring, electrical systems, insulation, heating, and air conditioning were upgraded. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026

This plumbing falls into the same category as the ACH, SWIFT, card rails and clearing-and-settlement layer underneath the equities market. — Manny Khan, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing plumbing

• indoor plumbing
• plumbing fixture

Rhymes for plumbing

• coming
• cumming
• drumming
• gumming
• humming
• numbing
• strumming
• summing
• thrumming
• thumbing
• becoming
• forthcoming

Kids Definition

plumbing

noun

plumb·​ing ˈpləm-iŋ 

1

: a plumber's work

2

: a system of pipes for supplying and carrying off water in a building