plumber

noun

plumb·​er ˈplə-mər How to pronounce plumber (audio)
1
: a dealer or worker in lead
2
: one who installs, repairs, and maintains piping, fittings, and fixtures involved in the distribution and use of water in a building
3
: a person whose job is to prevent or put an end to leaks of sensitive information

Examples of plumber in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trades like plumbers and electricians, Huang has said, will be in high demand as data centers are built across the globe. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 Your plumber can also make sure pipes are well secured so the banging stops. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2026 The plumber will have to install a very long tailpiece from the bottom of the sink to the P-trap. — Tim Carter, Hartford Courant, 22 Aug. 2026 The damage to my unit was exacerbated by the board president who refused to call a plumber to turn off water to the plumbing stack for many hours after the location of the common element water leak was discovered. — Howard Dakoff, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plumber

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French plummer, plomner, from Latin plumbarius, from plumbum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of plumber was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing plumber

Rhymes for plumber

See All Rhymes for plumber

Browse Nearby Words

plumbeous vireo
plumber
plumber's furnace
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plumber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plumber. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

plumber

noun
plumb·​er ˈpləm-ər How to pronounce plumber (audio)
: a person who puts in or repairs the pipes and fixtures involved in the distribution and use of water in a building
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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