building

noun

build·​ing ˈbil-diŋ 

1

: a usually roofed and walled structure built for permanent use (as for a dwelling)

2

: the art or business of assembling materials into a structure

Synonyms of building

• structure
• house
• edifice

Examples of building in a Sentence

My office is in that small brick building.

We bought the land for building.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Sylvia, about 1,000 people evacuated the CalEPA office building. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 18 July 2026

Remaining floors would be dedicated to data center infrastructure, according to plans, which also show that an existing building on the site would be demolished and replaced. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

According to Linda Debassige, Grand Council Chief of the Anishinabek Nation in Ontario, more than 30 homes were lost, along with the administration office, school, community center, storage buildings, vehicles and essential community equipment. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Courtesy Private Property Global Griffin’s presiding Australian statement would not be a parliament building or national monument, but a family home. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bildyng, buldyng, from bilden, buylden, bulden "to build entry 1" + -yng -ing entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing building

• apartment building
• building block
• building society
• sick building syndrome
• team building
• world-building

Rhymes for building

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

Kids Definition

building

noun

build·​ing ˈbil-diŋ 

1

: a permanent structure built as a dwelling, shelter, or place for human activity or for storage

an office building

2

: the art, work, or business of assembling materials into a structure