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

Most plans offer coverage for HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, kitchen appliances and laundry appliances. —Alora Bopray, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026

The project would include a paint job, new interior finishes, plumbing and electrical work, among other updates, filings show. —Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026

The universe of businesses Avoca serves—HVAC, plumbing, roofing, and electrical businesses—isn’t the most online. —Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026

City workers are also instructing residents on how to flush household plumbing prior to restoring water service, officials said. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 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