piping

1 of 3

noun

pip·​ing ˈpī-piŋ How to pronounce piping (audio)
Synonyms of pipingnext
1
a
: a sound, note, or call like that of a pipe
b
: the music of a pipe
2
: a quantity or system of pipes
3
: trimming stitched in seams or along edges (as of clothing, slipcovers, or curtains)

piping

2 of 3

adjective

1
: shrill
a piping voice
2
: tranquil
… piping time of peace …—William Shakespeare

piping

3 of 3

present participle of pipe entry 2

Synonyms of piping

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Adjective

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Examples of piping in a Sentence

Noun There's a problem with the piping in the building. a sofa trimmed with blue piping a uniform with yellow piping down the pants Adjective the piping voices of small children the piping sound of the teakettle caught my attention
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The zip-up jacket and wide-leg pants have a coordinated look, and the contrast piping adds just enough detail to keep the set from feeling like basic gym wear. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 18 Oct. 2026 To up the glamour, Goyal outlined the walls and windows in jet-black molding, lending the rooms a tuxedo-piping effect. — Sarah Medford, Architectural Digest, 14 Oct. 2026
Adjective
In the late 1700s, British scientists ran bold experiments on thermoregulation, subjecting themselves (and a dog) to a piping hot room and observing that — unlike the steak and eggs accompanying them — their own bodies did not cook. — Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026 Pair it with your favorite leggings and sneakers and a piping hot pumpkin spice latte. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for piping

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of piping was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing piping

Rhymes for piping

See All Rhymes for piping

Browse Nearby Words

Pipilo
piping
piping crow
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Cite this Entry

“Piping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piping. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

piping

noun
pip·​ing
ˈpī-piŋ
1
a
: the music of a pipe
b
: a shrill sound or call
the piping of frogs
2
: a quantity or system of pipes
3
: a narrow fold of fabric used to decorate seams or edges

More from Merriam-Webster on piping

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about piping

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