piping

1 of 3

noun

pip·​ing ˈpī-piŋ How to pronounce piping (audio)
Synonyms of pipingnext
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 3

adjective

1
: shrill
a piping voice
2
: tranquil
… piping time of peace …—William Shakespeare

piping

3 of 3

present participle of pipe entry 2

Synonyms of piping

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Adjective

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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
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.
Noun
Start the next piping at the base touching the first zigzag, and repeat the process until the sides are completed. — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2026 The animal-print two-piece, traced with glittering piping, was worn with a black crop top, knee-high black leather riding boots, and a coordinating Chanel flap bag. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
Adjective
In the late 1700s, British scientists ran bold experiments on thermoregulation, subjecting themselves (and a dog) to a piping hot room and observing that — unlike the steak and eggs accompanying them — their own bodies did not cook. — Will Stone, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026 Pair it with your favorite leggings and sneakers and a piping hot pumpkin spice latte. — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for piping

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of piping was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing piping

Rhymes for piping

See All Rhymes for piping

Browse Nearby Words

Pipilo
piping
piping crow
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Piping.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/piping. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on piping

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about piping

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