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
The country’s property market has been stuck in a yearslong downturn that’s dented the need for copper plumbing and wiring, while consumer spending has been sluggish, weighing on appetite for finished goods such as electronic appliances.
—
Bloomberg, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
Most plans offer coverage for HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, kitchen appliances and laundry appliances.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025
Water can also be trapped in the faucet pipe, increasing the risk of burst plumbing.
—Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
When to Call a Professional DIYers who don’t have experience working with plumbing systems should not attempt this project on their own.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plumbing
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Bloomberg, Fortune, 31 Dec. 2025
Most plans offer coverage for HVAC systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, kitchen appliances and laundry appliances.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 31 Dec. 2025
Water can also be trapped in the faucet pipe, increasing the risk of burst plumbing.
—Blythe Copeland, Martha Stewart, 31 Dec. 2025
When to Call a Professional DIYers who don’t have experience working with plumbing systems should not attempt this project on their own.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for plumbing
Cite this Entry
“Plumbing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plumbing. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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