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

It was also historically used for waterproofing and plumbing. —Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

Workers then install insulation, cabinetry, electrical, plumbing and more, usually in about 12 to 15 days. —Sam Lubell, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2025

Inspections for plumbing, electricity, and fire codes have been cleared. —Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 9 May 2025

The insulated, soundproof walls keep things quiet and comfortable year-round, plus thanks to pre-installed plumbing and electrical wiring, the two-story residence is move-in-ready once assembled. —Toni Sutton, People.com, 9 May 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