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 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

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

The plumber's rise to fame saw him receive letters of thanks from the late Queen and the King, and a Pride of Manchester award.

From BBC

Chemical plant workers, painters, electricians, plumbers, construction workers, cleaners and medical personnel are among those who may be exposed to these solvents.

From Salon

People say, “shut up and act” the way that they would tell athletes, “shut up and dribble,” but no one says to a plumber, “shut up and fix pipes.”

From Los Angeles Times

If immigrant workers are hired as brick layers, their work supports hiring supervisors, engineers, electricians, plumbers and others.

From Los Angeles Times

Pisciotta said she had “also experienced a barrage of service workers such as plumbers and food delivery workers showing up to her door unannounced.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agent 
• detective 
• informer 
• investigator www.thesaurus.com
• mole 
• operative 
• secret agent 
• secret service 
• undercover agent www.thesaurus.com