plumber

[ pluhm-er ]

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.

plumber

/ ˈplʌmə /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of plumber¹

1375–1425; 1965–70 plumber fordef 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of plumber¹

C14: from Old French plommier worker in lead, from Late Latin plumbārius, from Latin plumbum lead

Example Sentences

Using tax-preferred savings funds to pay not just for college but also tools used by loggers, plumbers, electricians and the like.

From Los Angeles Times

We got the kid all the way to high school, my employer valued me and I knew a good plumber.

From Los Angeles Times

“We needs a tax code that honors the trades,” she said, allowing write-offs for the kinds of equipment used by loggers, plumbers and electricians.

From Los Angeles Times

“Like future plumbers and electricians. They can get an early start with apprenticeship programs.”

From Los Angeles Times

Touring the plumbers and steamfitters apprentice program, she talked up the importance of organized labor, extolled the job-creating potential of green energy and mentioned her father was a proud member of the Teamsters.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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