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

All of the modern vessel sinks have a hole in the bottom, allowing the water to flow into your plumbing system. — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 22 Aug. 2026

Counter said the Bruin’s fire-alarm system is currently monitored, its emergency generator will be tested in the coming weeks, and several minor plumbing issues are being addressed. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026

Many skilled trades, including plumbing, electrical work and HVAC, offer apprenticeship programs that combine paid, on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026

The victim handed over the keys, then picked up a plumbing tool and started swinging it at Arredondo-Garcia, who ran away. — Brandon Downs, CBS News, 20 Aug. 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