builder

noun

build·​er ˈbil-dər How to pronounce builder (audio)
1
: one that builds
especially : one that contracts to build and supervises building operations
2
: a substance added to or used with detergents to increase their cleansing action

Examples of builder in a Sentence

The architect discussed her plans with the builder and the contractor. We will have to get the builders to repair the wall. The army is said to be a character builder. The experience was a real confidence builder.
Recent Examples on the Web The real world of politics, like economics, is not as consistent as model builders might like. Evan Osnos, The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 Private builders and speculators responded actively, taking on debt and pursuing increasingly dubious projects so that even as China was meeting its housing needs, such development reached the astronomical level of some 30% of China’s economy. Milton Ezrati, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 But builders are offering mortgage rate buydowns, and that’s giving the market a boost. Catherine Reagor, The Arizona Republic, 29 Feb. 2024 Lego builders can spend hours recreating scenes from Star Wars: The Clone Wars, since the set is essentially two battle packs rolled into one. Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 28 Feb. 2024 Other versions of the VISION House have been erected throughout the country to educate both builders and consumers on how to construct a more efficient home. Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 26 Feb. 2024 In 2019, New York City passed the country’s most comprehensive collision-proofing legislation, requiring builders to use bird-friendly material in all new construction and large renovations. Tracey Tully, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2024 The approach helped lift sales of new U.S. homes 4.2% over 2022, but also cut into many builders’ profits. Alex Veiga, Quartz, 26 Feb. 2024 Their objections speak to whether builders should have the right to develop along the coast, despite threats from the sea, and how sea level rise and beach erosion are blurring the line between public access rights and private property in some areas. Laylan Connelly, Orange County Register, 25 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of builder was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near builder

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

builder

noun
build·​er ˈbil-dər How to pronounce builder (audio)
: one that builds
especially : a person whose business is the construction of buildings
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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