build

1 of 2

verb

built ˈbilt How to pronounce build (audio) ; building

transitive verb

1
: to form by ordering and uniting materials by gradual means into a composite whole : construct
birds building a nest
build new hospitals and schools
the boat her father built
2
: to cause to be constructed
a contractor who has built hundreds of homes
3
: to develop according to a systematic plan, by a definite process, or on a particular base
building a legal case against her
built the organization from the ground up
4
: increase, enlarge
helps build muscle
build support for their candidate
building friendships

intransitive verb

1
: to engage in building
2
a
: to progress toward a peak (as of intensity)
build to a climax
b
: to develop in extent
a crowd building

build

2 of 2

noun

plural builds
1
: form or mode of structure : make
the boxy build of the car
especially : bodily conformation of a person or animal
a man of stocky build
2
: a version or iteration of a product or component
We worked with several builds of the beta code, which was in itself instructive. Things that worked perfectly in one version stopped working at all in the next release.Bill Machrone et al.
Phrases
build a fire under
: to stimulate to vigorous action
build into
: to make an integral part of
build quality into the product
build on
: to use as a foundation
building on past experience

Examples of build in a Sentence

Verb The bridge was built in the 1890s. The planes were built in Germany. The organization helps build houses for poor families. A family of birds has built a nest on our roof. She started building a fire in the fireplace. He built a model airplane from a kit. You will need permission to build on your property. They are building a legal case against the tobacco industry. scientists building theories about how the universe began At college, you'll build friendships that will last a lifetime. Noun He is strong and muscular in build. a man of average build
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
The latest incidents at the camp began Feb. 28, when a demolition crew operating heavy machinery tore apart the previous shelters that volunteers had built, according to photos and videos provided by Schultz. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2024 Currently, the parks are permitted to build one structure at a height of up to 250 feet. Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 In some cases, they are weaponized by wealthy, resourceful homeowners to block new housing from being built. Byalena Botros, Fortune, 16 Mar. 2024 These recipes are built on the foundations of watching moms, aunties and grandmas cooking, both in Mexican and Korean home kitchens. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2024 The monument to grief on the National Mall was never built to last. Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 This two-bedroom stone dwelling was built over the River Ardle in 1881. Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2024 When State Farm Stadium was being built, Glendale and the team agreed that the city would provide 11,000 parking spaces for games, 6,000 of which were to be in Westgate. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 For stunning views, pick the Casa Buena Vista house, a historical adobe structure that was originally built for the Chisos Mine foreman. Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024
Noun
Another was Spielman, a defender who has a build (and beard) like Travis Kelce and who coaches soccer at Butler High School in Matthews. Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 4 Mar. 2024 The build process is also faster and less complex than that of a fully custom cruiser. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2024 Vari sells a variety of convertible desks, but the Pro Plus 36-inch version checks all the boxes for the most extreme at-home setup thanks to its two-tier design and sturdy build. Kyle Barr / Gizmodo, Quartz, 27 Feb. 2024 The hallmarks of the rarefied Hong Kong brand are all present in this new build: immaculate service, streamlined tech, neutrally cosmopolitan design that gives way to a serene frictionless-ness, and capital-L luxury. Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2024 Digs results in more efficient builds and a digital twin of the home for the homeowner that is both usable and shareable. Charlie Fink, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 The durable build and supportive sole offer all-day comfort, while the sleek design adds a fashionable touch to any outfit. Katiee McKinstry, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2024 Old-school horror filmmaking: slow build, big payoff. Zack Sharf, Variety, 20 Feb. 2024 Only 29 boats have emerged from the yard—a hallmark of its select build ethos. Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 18 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'build.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English bilden, from Old English byldan; akin to Old English būan to dwell — more at bower

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of build was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near build

Cite this Entry

“Build.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/build. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

build

1 of 2 verb
built ˈbilt How to pronounce build (audio) ; building
1
: to make by putting together parts or materials : construct
build a house
build a bridge
2
: to produce or create gradually
build a winning team
build up your strength
3
: to move or grow toward a peak
excitement was building

build

2 of 2 noun
: form or kind of structure
especially : physique

More from Merriam-Webster on build

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