Definition

1. Noun:

   • A system of pipes: A set of connected tubes, typically made of metal or plastic, used to convey fluids (like water, oil, or gas) from one place to another.
   • A thin decorative cord: A narrow, covered cord or fabric strip sewn into a seam, often along a hem or edge, as a decorative trim on clothing, cushions, or upholstery.
   • The act or sound of playing a pipe: The action of playing a wind instrument like a flute or bagpipes, or the high, clear sound produced by such an instrument.

2. Adverb:

   • Extremely, very (used with 'hot'): An intensifier meaning "very" or "extremely," almost exclusively used in the phrase "piping hot" to describe food or liquids that are very hot, often steaming.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The building's piping needs to be replaced. (The system of pipes in the building needs replacement.)
  • She added red piping to the collar of the dress. (She added a red decorative cord to the dress's collar.)
  • We could hear the piping of the flutes from the concert hall. (We could hear the sound of the flutes being played.)

• Adverb:

  • Serve the soup piping hot. (Serve the soup very hot.)

Advanced Usage

• "The piping times of peace": A literary idiom referring to a period of peace and prosperity, often with connotations of leisure and music. It originates from a Shakespearean phrase.
  • The poet longed for the piping times of peace. (The poet longed for the peaceful, prosperous times.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pipe (n/v): The singular form; a tube or a musical instrument / to convey via a tube or to play a wind instrument.
• Piped (adj): Conveyed by or furnished with pipes.
  • The village has piped water.
• Piper (n): A person who plays a pipe, especially the bagpipes.

Synonyms

• Noun (for system of tubes): Pipeline, tubing, conduit.
• Noun (for decorative cord): Trim, edging, welt.
• Adverb (in "piping hot"): Steaming, scalding, boiling.

Related Phrases

• Piping hot: The primary and almost exclusive adverbial phrase, meaning extremely hot.
  • The coffee was served piping hot.

Adverb

1. (used of heat) extremely
   • the casserole was piping hot

Noun

1. playing a pipe or the bagpipes
2. a long tube made of metal or plastic that is used to carry water or oil or gas etc.
3. a thin strip of covered cord used to edge hems