plumb bob

noun

: the metal bob of a plumb line

Examples of plumb bob in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Possible uses included: a plumb bob or a loom weight, a liquid sprinkler, a fire starter, a lamp, a smoking pipe, or parts of an apparatus for distillation. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 3 May 2022 Where many competitors use surveying equipment that’s accurate to within a thousandth of a degree to orient their robots on startup, Coordinated often relies on a plumb bob (cost: a few bucks). Tom Vanderbilt, Wired, 1 Feb. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plumb bob was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near plumb bob

Cite this Entry

“Plumb bob.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plumb%20bob. Accessed 4 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

plumb bob

noun
: the metal bob of a plumb line
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