buildup

1 of 2

noun

build·​up ˈbild-ˌəp 

1

: something produced by building up

fluid buildup in the lungs

2

: the act or process of building up

build up

2 of 2

verb

built up; building up; builds up

transitive verb

1

: to develop gradually by increments

building up endurance

built up a library

2

: to promote the health, strength, esteem, or reputation of

intransitive verb

: to accumulate or develop appreciably

builder-upper

ˈbil-dər-ˈə-pər 

noun

Synonyms of buildup

Verb

• increase
• rise
• accelerate
• swell
• expand
• climb
• roll up

Examples of buildup in a Sentence

Noun

There is a big traffic buildup on the highway.

You should clean the mechanism regularly to prevent buildup of dirt.

Both players were given big buildups before the game.

Verb

static electricity built up on the cat's fur

the roller coaster built up momentum

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Breast arterial calcification is calcium buildup in the walls of medium-sized arteries that carry blood through the breast. — Matthew Nudy, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026

However, the researchers said further work is needed to reduce capacity loss caused by manganese crossover and particle buildup. — Muskan Bhatia, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026

Verb

In SpaceX’s most recent earnings call, CFO Bret Johnsen also signaled that Starlink has been building up its product inventory for a subscriber-growth push in Q4. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026

Rugs are one of those niche investment pieces that can cost a fortune but will have little to no resale value after your dog has done a number on it (guess which one) or dust and hair have built up a layer of filth on top. — Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for buildup

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup
• pickup

Kids Definition

buildup

noun

build·​up ˈbil-ˌdəp 

1

: something produced by building up

2

: the act or process of building up