ducting

Meaning

1. 1noununcountabletechnical

   A system of pipes or tubes that carries air, cables or liquids through a building or machine.

   Grammar: No plural and no an or an: the ducting needs cleaning.

   Patterns

   • ducting for something
   • ducting in something

   The builders ran ducting through the attic for the new air conditioning.

   Dust had collected in the ducting and needed to be cleaned out.

   Flexible ducting connects the dryer to the vent outside.

Common combinations

flexible ducting

We used flexible ducting around the pipe.

air conditioning ducting

The air conditioning ducting runs under the floor.

install ducting

They will install ducting before the ceiling goes up.

ducting system

The ducting system carries warm air to every room.

insulated ducting

Insulated ducting stops heat from escaping.

Synonyms and how they differ

ductwork

Ductwork is the usual American word and means the same, though it often highlights the whole assembled system.

piping

Piping usually carries liquids or gas, whereas ducting is for air or cables.

conduit

Conduit typically protects electrical wires, a narrower job than most ducting.

Word family

duct noun

a tube that carries air, wires or fluids

duct verb

to carry through a tube

ducted adjective

fitted with ducts

ductwork noun

the full network of ducts in a building

Commonly confused: ducting or duct tape?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “ducting”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words