English Reference

Word

pipes

US/ˈpaɪps/

UK/pˈaɪps/

Definitions

01tubes for liquid/gas

A2 · Elementary Plural noun

n. tubes used to carry water, gas, or oil through a building or underground.

n. plural of pipe; conduits or tubes used for the transport of fluids or gases.

“The plumber had to replace the old metal pipes because they were leaking.”

“The city council approved a massive project to replace the aging infrastructure of underground water pipes before the winter freeze.”

02musical instrument

B1 · Intermediate Plural noun Music

n. a musical instrument made of tubes, like bagpipes or the tubes in a large church organ.

n. a musical instrument consisting of a tube or tubes, specifically referring to bagpipes or the pipes of an organ.

“We could hear the sound of the pipes playing at the parade.”

“The cathedral's organ features over three thousand pipes, ranging from tiny whistles to massive wooden structures that shake the floor.”

Synonyms

bagpipesorgan pipes

03singing voice

C1 · Advanced Plural noun Music Informal

n. a person's voice, especially when they are a very strong or talented singer.

n. a person's vocal cords or singing voice, usually used to compliment power or range.

“That girl has some serious pipes; she should be on a talent show.”

“The lead singer demonstrated her impressive pipes during the final aria, hitting the high notes with effortless precision.”

Synonyms

Etymology

(vocal capacity): As if one's lungs were composed of pipework.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/pipes

English Reference