plumb
Plumb (noun) means a weight on a line used to check that something is perfectly vertical. Example: “The builder checked the wall with a plumb line.”
How to use plumb
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExactly vertical, or to explore something deeply, or to connect to water pipes.
Don't confuse with "plum" the fruit — they sound alike but are unrelated.
Word forms
more plumb comparative, plumbed past tense, plumbs plural, Plumbs plural, plumbs singular, most plumb superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The builder checked the wall with a _____ line.
Etymology
From Old French, ultimately from Latin "plumbum" meaning lead — the metal traditionally used to weight the vertical measuring line.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for plumb
See all rhymes for plumb →Frequently asked questions
What does “plumb” mean?
The word “plumb” means a weight on a line used to check that something is perfectly vertical. In plain terms, exactly vertical, or to explore something deeply, or to connect to water pipes.
How do you pronounce “plumb”?
“Plumb” is pronounced pluhm (/plʌm/ in IPA).
How do you use “plumb” in a sentence?
Here is “plumb” used in a sentence: “The builder checked the wall with a plumb line.”
What is another word for “plumb”?
Words with a similar meaning to “plumb” include plummet, plumb bob and plumb line.
What part of speech is “plumb”?
Depending on how it is used, “plumb” can be a noun, an adjective, an adverb and a verb.
Where does the word “plumb” come from?
The word “plumb” comes from Latin. From Old French, ultimately from Latin "plumbum" meaning lead — the metal traditionally used to weight the vertical measuring line.
How many meanings does “plumb” have?
“Plumb” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a weight on a line used to check that something is perfectly vertical.
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