plumber

noun plumb·er \ ˈplə-mər \

|Updated on: 13 Jul 2018

Definition of plumber

1 : a dealer or worker in lead

2 : one who installs, repairs, and maintains piping, fittings, and fixtures involved in the distribution and use of water in a building

3 : a person whose job is to prevent or put an end to leaks of sensitive information

See plumber defined for English-language learners

See plumber defined for kids

Recent Examples of plumber from the Web

By the time the plumber had pulled out every puck Blair had put through the wall practicing his slap shot, the stack was at least 10 high.

— david haugh, chicagotribune.com, "Thanks, hockey, for making my son stronger and helping fathers understand kids a little better," 15 June 2018
The court found that, although the plumber’s contract bore features of being self-employed, his work was controlled and restricted by the firm, akin to a normal job.

— The Economist, "Business this week," 14 June 2018
The 48-year-old plumber was the victim of a hit and run on West Sunrise Boulevard in unincorporated Broward County on June 2, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said.

— tonya alanez, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Motorcyclist victim of hit and run loses foot," 13 June 2018
On Thursday, the three teams of student builders underwent their final exam, so to speak, when a panel of judges that included working electricians, plumbers and design experts paid them a visit, score sheets in hand.

— john maccormack, San Antonio Express-News, "“Tiny Homes,” Draw Many Lookers, Few Buyers," 19 May 2018
Preciado was one of two female plumbers working for the city.

— erin stone, SFChronicle.com, "SF city worker killed on job remembered for her toughness, humor," 22 June 2018
Wrap plumber’s tape in a clockwise direction two or three times around the threads of the shower arm.

— daniel bortz, sacbee, "Four home-improvement jobs you can knock out," 15 June 2018
This comes out to over 60 fighters, including Nintendo’s legendary plumber, Mario, as well as Princess Peach, Pikachu and three different versions of Zelda’s Link.

— jason duaine hahn, PEOPLE.com, "E3: Nintendo Announces 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' and New 'Mario Party' Game for Switch," 12 June 2018
Super Mario Bros The red capped plumber gets a name drop in Reborn.

— matthew wilson, USA TODAY, "The top 10 pop culture references in Kanye West and Kid Cudi's new album, 'Kids See Ghosts'," 8 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'plumber.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of plumber

Middle English, from Anglo-French plummer, plomner, from Latin plumbarius, from plumbum

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

PLUMBER Defined for English Language Learners

plumber

noun

Definition of plumber for English Language Learners

: a person whose job is to install or repair sinks, toilets, water pipes, etc.

PLUMBER Defined for Kids

plumber

noun plumb·er \ ˈplə-mər \

Definition of plumber for Students

: a person who installs or repairs plumbing

History for plumber

The word plumber originally meant “person who works with lead.” It comes from a Latin word plumbarius with the same meaning, which is derived from plumbum, “lead.” In the past water pipes in buildings were often made of lead. The plumbers who put in these pipes and took care of them were workers in lead.