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plumbing

n.
US //ˈpɫəmɪŋ// UK //plˈʌmɪŋ// plumb·ing
  1. 1 pipes and fixtures (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the system of pipes, tanks, and taps that brings water into a building and takes waste away.

    the collective system of pipes, joints, and fixtures used for the distribution of potable water and the removal of waterborne wastes.

    Example

    The plumbing in this old house is very noisy whenever someone takes a shower.

    Example

    The contractor discovered that the building's original lead plumbing had never been replaced, necessitating a complete overhaul of the water system.

    Usage

    uncountable when referring to the system as a whole.
  2. 2 the trade (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the job or business of installing and fixing pipes.

    the professional trade or occupation of a plumber.

    Example

    He decided to go to college to study plumbing and start his own business.

    Example

    After completing a four-year apprenticeship in plumbing, she became a licensed contractor specialising in industrial installations.

    Usage

    uncountable in this sense.
    • pipefitting
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  1. 3 the human body (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Humorous Medicine

    a funny way to talk about the tubes and organs inside your body, especially those for waste.

    an informal or euphemistic reference to the internal vessels or ducts of the human body, particularly the genitourinary system.

    Example

    The doctor said there is nothing wrong with my plumbing, so I just need to drink more water.

    Example

    He joked that at his age, he spent more time worrying about his internal plumbing than the pipes in his basement.

    Teacher's tip

    This is often used when someone is talking about health issues or surgery in a lighthearted way to avoid being too clinical.
  2. 4 supporting work (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    the basic, practical work that supports a larger project or system.

    the underlying practical or technical infrastructure that supports a more visible or complex operation.

    Example

    The team spent weeks on the technical plumbing of the app before they even designed the screen.

    Example

    The success of the merger depended less on the public announcement and more on the administrative plumbing handled by the legal teams.

    Usage

    figurative use.

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