build

1 of 2

verb

ˈbild 

built ˈbilt  ; building

transitive verb

1

: to form by ordering and uniting materials by gradual means into a composite whole : construct

birds building a nest

build new hospitals and schools

the boat her father built

2

: to cause to be constructed

a contractor who has built hundreds of homes

3

: to develop according to a systematic plan, by a definite process, or on a particular base

building a legal case against her

built the organization from the ground up

4

: increase, enlarge

helps build muscle

build support for their candidate

building friendships

intransitive verb

1

: to engage in building

2

a

: to progress toward a peak (as of intensity)

build to a climax

b

: to develop in extent

a crowd building

build

2 of 2

noun

plural builds

1

: form or mode of structure : make

the boxy build of the car

especially : bodily conformation of a person or animal

a man of stocky build

2

: a version or iteration of a product or component

We worked with several builds of the beta code, which was in itself instructive. Things that worked perfectly in one version stopped working at all in the next release.

—Bill Machrone et al.

Phrases

build a fire under

: to stimulate to vigorous action

build into

: to make an integral part of

build quality into the product

build on

: to use as a foundation

building on past experience

Synonyms

Verb

• construct
• assemble
• make
• create

Noun

• physique
• shape
• frame
• form
• figure

Examples of build in a Sentence

Verb

The bridge was built in the 1890s.

The planes were built in Germany.

The organization helps build houses for poor families.

A family of birds has built a nest on our roof.

She started building a fire in the fireplace.

He built a model airplane from a kit.

You will need permission to build on your property.

They are building a legal case against the tobacco industry.

scientists building theories about how the universe began

At college, you'll build friendships that will last a lifetime.

Noun

He is strong and muscular in build.

a man of average build

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

With its investments in AI infrastructure and obvious strengths on the power front, this is a country that is building out data centers and positioning itself as a hub for AI, entertainment, sports, finance, high-tech manufacturing and more. —Diane Brady, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025

The researchers recruited fifty-seven people for interviews through a nonprofit organization that helps low-income people build their credit ratings and financial stability. —JSTOR Daily, 27 Oct. 2025

Noun

The hotel includes a unique architectural design, complete with an A-frame build and ledges that face both internally and externally. —Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Oct. 2025

There is also reportedly interest in partnering with allies for smaller Golden Fleet variants, something akin to NATO corvettes or modular builds. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English bilden, from Old English byldan; akin to Old English būan to dwell — more at bower

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing build

• build a bridge
• build around
• build in
• build onto
• build-out
• build up
• jerry-build

Rhymes for build

• billed
• chilled
• drilled
• filled
• frilled
• gild
• grilled
• guild
• killed
• milled
• rilled
• shrilled

Kids Definition

build

1 of 2 verb

ˈbild 

built ˈbilt  ; building

1

: to make by putting together parts or materials : construct

build a house

build a bridge

2

: to produce or create gradually

build a winning team

build up your strength

3

: to move or grow toward a peak

excitement was building

build

2 of 2 noun

: form or kind of structure

especially : physique