building block

noun

: a unit of construction or composition
especially : something essential on which a larger entity is based

Examples of building block in a Sentence

historically the infantry division has been a basic building block of armies
Recent Examples on the Web These pint-size pieces of furniture offer the perfect spot for exploring arts and crafts, Play-Doh, or building blocks, not to mention making mealtime a blast. Samantha McIntyre, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 The early learning hub contains toys, books, puzzles, a sensory light wall and building blocks. Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2024 For Sora, these sweeps are the fundamental building blocks, instead of the pixels that make up still images. Jaron Lanier, The New Yorker, 1 Mar. 2024 The Ravens will have plenty of work to do on their defense this offseason, but Smith and Hamilton are elite building blocks, much as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed were once upon a time. Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 29 Jan. 2024 These are compelling building blocks for subsystem suppliers but are less comprehensive than Nvidia and Qualcomm's solutions. Steve McDowell, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Scotch bonnet, thyme, allspice, scallions—these are the building blocks of Jamaican cuisine, whether in a rub for jerk chicken or in the juicy filling for beef patties. Saveur Editors, Saveur, 14 Feb. 2024 Some of Pushkin’s most objectionable poems have been used as political tools and been important building blocks in the creation of this poet’s image as a nationalist icon. Merve Emre, The New York Review of Books, 13 Feb. 2024 In parallel, our research group is developing new technologies and capabilities that become the building blocks for both elevating existing experiences, and designing and delivering completely new shows. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'building block.' 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

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of building block was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near building block

Cite this Entry

“Building block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/building%20block. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

building block

noun
: a unit of construction or composition
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!