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

Dan Tana’s, a red-sauce West Hollywood institution, closed April 15 to 18 due to vermin infestation, unclean surfaces, plumbing or drainage citations and improper build or maintenance of walls, floors or ceilings, according to the health department. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026

It was then replaced in 1912 with the current lodge, built with cedar logs from Idaho and redwood timbers from California, and featuring modern conveniences like plumbing and electricity. —Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2026

The system-only plan covers major home systems like air conditioning, heating systems, ductwork, plumbing systems, electrical systems and water heaters. —Jamela Adam, USA Today, 11 May 2026

According to the New York State Department of Health, common moisture sources include plumbing leaks, roof leaks, poor drainage and damp basements. —Ryan Brennan may 8, Kansas City Star, 8 May 2026

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