built-in

1 of 2

adjective

ˈbilt-ˈin 

1

a

: forming an integral part of a structure or object

a camera with a built-in flash

especially : constructed as or in a recess in a wall

a built-in bookshelf

b

: built into the ground

a built-in swimming pool

2

a

: inherent

a built-in advantage

b

: already established

Their best-seller status gave them a built-in audience.

built-in

2 of 2

noun

ˈbilt-ˌin 

: a built-in piece of furniture

Synonyms of built-in

Adjective

• inherent
• intrinsic
• integral
• essential

Examples of built-in in a Sentence

Adjective

a poker player with a seemingly built-in ability to read his opponents' faces

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Accent walls make a living room look lopsided, especially when a built-in is placed in front of it. — Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 25 Aug. 2026

Washington’s camp last year was noticeably lighter, in part because a number of older veterans had built-in days off to try to keep them fresh for the season. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Non-slip stairs and a small jumping platform are built-in for easy access to your outdoor oasis. — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

Reserving that built-in 15-minute buffer gives you room to write down your thoughts, process your emotions if the discussion was tense, and clear your mind before stepping into the next meeting. — Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for built-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin

Kids Definition

built-in

adjective

ˈbil-ˈtin

1

: forming a permanent part of a structure or object

built-in bookcases

2

: built into the ground

a built-in swimming pool