world-building

noun

world-build·​ing ˈwərl(d)-ˈbil-diŋ 

variants or less commonly world building or worldbuilding

: the creation of a fictional world (especially within the science fiction and fantasy genres) that is believable and consistent within the context of the story

The game pushes the limits of the PS4 graphically and packs so much mythos and backstory into its world-building that at times it feels more like a novel than a video game.

—Patrick Shanley

In my opinion, no one does world-building as well as Kate Elliott. It's subtle … but the world, culture, and societies she creates feel solid. If you think about them when you close the book, you can see how they could work; how the economics could work, how the governing could work, how the cultures formed.

—Michelle West

In postapocalyptic stories, world building typically emphasizes the new reality: new vocabulary to learn, new systems of government to understand, new social norms to parse.

—Shirley Li

It sounds like a lot to take in, but "The Sandman" neatly avoids many genre show pitfalls. While at times its premise and worldbuilding do feel a bit murky, for the most part, it's even less confusing for a layman to get into than other sprawling similar shows such as "Westworld" or "The Witcher."

—Lauren Sarner

Examples of world-building in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And while its uniquely colorful visual design and world-building differentiate it from umpteen other shooters on the market, its world is hollow and devoid of life — and most tragically, excitement. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 2 May 2025

Later in the day, a selection of top franchise and brand management executives weighed in on the importance of world-building to extend the life of content franchises. —William Earl, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025

Each outfit in this sense serves as a memory and a call toward the work of world-building. —Najha Zigbi-Johnson, Essence, 30 Apr. 2025

There will be a full day focusing on the intersection of games and drama series, with sessions covering topics including world-building and what games and series can learn from one another. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for world-building

• boatbuilding
• outbuilding
• rebuilding
• roadbuilding
• shipbuilding
• upbuilding
• bodybuilding
• building
• gilding