plumbing

1 of 2

noun

plumb·​ing ˈplə-miŋ How to pronounce plumbing (audio)
Synonyms of plumbingnext
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
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Noun
The once grand building, where celebrities and socialites have slept, lived, and partied for decades, is undeniably shabby, with worn carpets and crumbling plumbing. — Kim Velsey, Curbed, 15 Oct. 2026 In addition to the plumbing and ventilation issues, an inspector documented a number of other defects with the home’s structure and foundation in 2025, according to court filings. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026 Recent safety and facility assessments confirmed that critical heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems are reaching the end of their useful lives. — Pioneer Press, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 This can include large appliances like your washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher and garbage disposal, or systems such as plumbing, heating, A/C and the electrical system. — Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plumbing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing plumbing

Rhymes for plumbing

See All Rhymes for plumbing

Browse Nearby Words

plumb in
plumbing
plumbing fixture
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on plumbing

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for plumbing

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plumbing

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