plumbing

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

Examples of plumbing in a Sentence

The house has old plumbing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tips for staying safe during thunderstorms Once in a shelter, stay away from windows and avoid electrical equipment and plumbing. —Eva Wen, jsonline.com, 22 July 2025

The rebuild will aim to solve many of the outstanding campus issues such as undersized classrooms, underused space, and a big issue with the school’s plumbing. —Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 July 2025

The filing calls on a Will County judge to appoint a receiver who will collect rents and make necessary repairs, which Park Forest complains cover virtually every aspect of the buildings, including plumbing, roofs, windows and electrical systems. —Mike Nolan, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025

No power, no plumbing, no noisy mechanical systems. —Bridget Borgobello july 20, New Atlas, 20 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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