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

Next, save 41% on the Eufy C220 Security Smart Lock, delivering fingerprint keyless entry and built-in Wi-Fi. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026

Chairs and exam tables will have built-in scales to weigh patients, Samahon said. — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2026

Inside, there’s a double-height living room, a balcony overlooking the main floor, and built-in furniture designed by Schindler himself. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 26 Oct. 2026

To overcome this limitation, the researchers added a built-in electro-optic (EO) equalizer that helps the modulator handle faster-changing signals. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 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