plumber

American  

[pluhm-er] / ˈplʌm ər /

noun

1. a person who installs and repairs piping, fixtures, appliances, and appurtenances in connection with the water supply, drainage systems, etc., both in and out of buildings.

2. Slang. an undercover operative or spy hired to detect or stop leaks of news or secret information, often using questionable or illegal methods, as illegal entry or wiretapping.

3. Obsolete. a worker in lead or similar metals.

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plumber British  

/ ˈplʌmə /

noun

1. a person who installs and repairs pipes, fixtures, etc, for water, drainage, and gas

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Etymology

Origin of plumber

1375–1425; 1965–70 plumber for def. 2; late Middle English, spelling variant of Middle English plowber ≪ Late Latin plumbārius leadworker; replacing Middle English plummer < Anglo-French; Old French plummier < Latin, as above. See plumb, -er ²

Example Sentences

Since April, Chambliss has worked the night shift overseeing a team of 200 welders, plumbers and electricians at a local data-center construction site.

From The Wall Street Journal

“He’s almost building a cult,” said Aaron Cook, a 28-year-old plumber who was in the audience in Las Vegas.

From The Wall Street Journal

"In any customer service job, you want to bring a smile to your client's face, whether you're a chef, or a plumber, or just somebody working at a shop."

From BBC

But most jobs aren’t focused on a single, routine task—think finance manager, or plumber.

From The Wall Street Journal

The American middle class encompasses a broad cross section of workers that includes white-collar office employees, nurses and plumbers, although there is no universally accepted definition.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• agent
• detective
• informer
• investigator
• mole
• operative
• secret agent
• secret service
• undercover agent