piping

1 of 2

noun

pip·​ing ˈpī-piŋ 

1

a

: a sound, note, or call like that of a pipe

b

: the music of a pipe

2

: a quantity or system of pipes

3

: trimming stitched in seams or along edges (as of clothing, slipcovers, or curtains)

piping

2 of 2

adjective

1

: shrill

a piping voice

2

: tranquil

piping times of peace

—William Shakespeare

Synonyms

Adjective

• high-pitched
• screeching
• shrieking
• shrill
• squeaking
• squeaky
• treble
• whistling

Examples of piping in a Sentence

Noun

There's a problem with the piping in the building.

a sofa trimmed with blue piping

a uniform with yellow piping down the pants

Adjective

the piping voices of small children

the piping sound of the teakettle caught my attention

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As with the Apollo suits, the one the commander wears will include red piping to help distinguish one crew member from the other, since their faces will be obscured by their reflective helmet faceplates. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 18 Oct. 2024

In the breakfast nook, for instance, the scallop trim on the Roman shades looks fresh, thanks to its graphic blue piping. —Catherine Hong, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Sep. 2024

Adjective

Churchill helps install water heaters, re-piping houses, etc., for Gregory J. Ostroski Heating and Plumbing in Billerica. —BostonGlobe.com, 17 Oct. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing piping

• piping hot
• piping plover

Kids Definition

piping

noun

pip·​ing

ˈpī-piŋ

1

a

: the music of a pipe

b

: a shrill sound or call

the piping of frogs

2

: a quantity or system of pipes

3

: a narrow fold of fabric used to decorate seams or edges