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

Mitchells Stores, from its humble beginnings in 1958 when Ed and Norma Mitchell founded the Ed Mitchells store in an 800-square-foot former plumbing supply shop, has grown to 10 stores generating sales exceeding $250 million annually. —David Moin, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025

Forecasters have warned locals to take precautions including motorists giving themselves extra time in the morning to preheat their cars, and to protect their plumbing. —Sirena Bergman, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

Take this $45,000 tiny home, for example, which includes two floors, a terrace, and plumbing. —Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Nov. 2025

The indirect plumbing connection under the prep sink next to the ice machine lacked a 1-inch air gap. —Sacbee.com, 7 Nov. 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