Search
Select the dictionary language
plumb
01
completely or entirely
Examples
He was plumb exhausted after the long hike.
She was plumb certain that she had locked the door.
02
precisely aligned with the direction of gravity
Examples
The carpenter ensured the wall was built plumb before securing it.
The fence posts sank plumb into the ground, straight as arrows.
03
directly or precisely in a particular place or manner
Examples
The arrow hit plumb in the center of the target.
The nail went plumb into the wood without bending.
to plumb
01
to measure the depth of water, a hole, or any vertical space
Examples
The sailors plumbed the harbor to check its depth.
Engineers plumb the well before installing the pump.
02
to adjust, align, or ensure verticality using a plumb line
Examples
The mason plumbs the wall to make sure it was perfectly vertical.
He plumbed the doorframe before nailing it in place.
03
to explore or investigate something deeply and thoroughly, often to understand its full meaning or complexity
Examples
The novel plumbs the depths of human emotion.
She plumbed the mysteries of quantum mechanics with relentless curiosity.
04
to add weight with lead, often to ensure balance or stability
Examples
The sailor plumbs the fishing net with lead to make it sink.
He plumbed the kite string to keep it steady in the wind.
Plumb
01
the weighted metal bob attached to a plumb line, used to determine vertical alignment or measure depth
Examples
The carpenter hung the plumb from the ceiling to check the wall's verticality.
A steady plumb ensured the post was perfectly upright.
