plumbing

noun

plumb·​ing ˈplə-miŋ How to pronounce plumbing (audio)
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 More:Pontiac home that went viral for $1 listing goes through renovations, sells for $140,000 The mansion has all new windows, new tile roof and copper gutters, all new electrical, plumbing and gas underground services prepped to be brought into the house, reads the real estate listing description. Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press, 14 Mar. 2024 With unreliable plumbing, people often resort to storing water outside, creating countless mosquito breeding sites. Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 10 Mar. 2024 As with many garage conversions, demolition was straightforward but site preparation came with unforeseen headaches: The necessary foundation and plumbing work was much more extensive — and costly — than anyone had anticipated. Lisa Boone, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2024 The subsequent report showed major problems with the plumbing, the electrical system, and the interior ductwork, as well as with the air-conditioning—problems large enough to close the museum for at least a year. Calvin Tomkins, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024 Is a hose fitting with plumbing or garden products? Roger Dooley, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Like a lot of homeowners in neighborhoods with decades-old plumbing, Ken Hoag experienced a leak in the pipe leading under his yard from the curbside city meter to his house. Brandon Loomis, The Arizona Republic, 23 Feb. 2024 The building needed extensive renovations, including new floors, interior walls, HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, and repairs for water damage to the roof. Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 22 Feb. 2024 Looking ahead, Rescue Plumbing remains steadfast in its mission to provide exceptional plumbing services and exceed customer expectations. Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'plumbing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plumbing was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near plumbing

Cite this Entry

“Plumbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plumbing. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

plumbing

noun
plumb·​ing ˈpləm-iŋ How to pronounce plumbing (audio)
1
: a plumber's work
2
: a system of pipes for supplying and carrying off water in a building
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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