ENGLISH
REFERENCE

plumber

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈpɫəmɝ// UK //plˈʌmɐ// plumber Archaic Informal Slang Vulgar

n. a person whose job is to fit and repair the pipes and equipment for water and heating in a building. You call them when your sink is leaking or your toilet is broken.

n. a skilled worker who installs and maintains systems used for water, sewage, and drainage in plumbing systems.


SIMPLE

The plumber fixed the leaking pipe in the kitchen.

CONTEXTUAL

We had to call an emergency plumber late at night when the bathroom pipe suddenly burst.

COMPLEX

After the inspection revealed significant corrosion in the main line, the plumber recommended replacing the entire copper network to prevent future structural damage to the property.

Origin

From Middle English plumber, from Old French plummier (French plombier); from Latin plumbārius, from plumbum (“lead or lead shot”). The verb sense “to botch” is perhaps from the negative stereotype of the occupation.

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