construction

noun

con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce construction (audio)
1
: the act or result of construing, interpreting, or explaining
2
a
: the process, art, or manner of constructing something
Construction of the new bridge will begin in the spring.
also : a thing constructed
b
: the construction industry
working in construction
3
: the arrangement and connection of words or groups of words in a sentence : syntactical arrangement
That verb is often used in passive constructions.
4
: a sculpture that is put together out of separate pieces of often disparate materials
constructional adjective
constructionally adverb

Examples of construction in a Sentence

Construction of the new bridge will begin in the spring. Construction on the bridge will occur daily from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Note the similar construction of the buildings. Some people think it is wrong to end a sentence with a preposition, but the construction is quite common in English. That verb is commonly used in passive constructions. This word is used in positive constructions.
Recent Examples on the Web In 1937, Ford and his wife Clara completed construction on a stately Georgian Revival mansion that now serves as the centerpiece of the private Ford Field and River Club community. Mark David, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2024 The Hungarian government was planning to spend about €1 billion to improve infrastructure around the area, Janos Lazar, the minister responsible for construction and transportation, said late last year. Veronika Gulyas, Fortune Europe, 14 Mar. 2024 These plus size jeans feature a timeless wide-leg silhouette with a comfortable high-rise construction. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 The city's route in awarding the construction contract, which went to the same company developing VAI, has also raised a few eyebrows. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 Choosing this construction, rather than a traditional majority coalition, aims to create more distance between the cabinet and the Parliament, said Simon Otjes, an assistant professor of Dutch politics at Leiden University. Claire Moses, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 That includes providing a reliable link within the state's freeway system for trucks that haul freight throughout Wisconsin and other states, according to business groups, construction labor unions and other supporters. Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 Older children can likely handle a more complex activity that includes electrical components and intricate pieces and construction. Safety: Many robot toys and kits include complex construction, which can pose a safety hazard for younger users. Julie Evans, Parents, 12 Mar. 2024 Abu Hussam, 28, used to earn about $100 a day working construction in Tel Aviv. Claire Parker, Washington Post, 11 Mar. 2024

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

see construct entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near construction

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

construction

noun
con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce construction (audio)
1
: interpretation sense 1
strict construction of the law
2
: the process, art, or manner of constructing
3
: something built or put together : structure
4
: the arrangement and connection of words or groups of words in a sentence

Legal Definition

construction

noun
con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce construction (audio)
: the act or result of construing, interpreting, or explaining meaning or effect (as of a statute or contract)
the construction placed upon an agreementJ. D. Calamari and J. M. Perillo

More from Merriam-Webster on construction

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!