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.
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
Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Closing off a superfluous doorway, Ashley centered the entertaining space around a custom built-in inspired by an antique library hutch, which features a wet bar and storage for everything from libations and glassware to toys.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026
Elsewhere, one of the two secondary bedrooms has built-in bunk beds.
—Sandra Barrera, Oc Register, 1 Jan. 2026
Plumbing system Electrical system Water heater Kitchen appliances (refrigerator, oven, range, dishwasher, built-in microwave, garbage disposal)
Laundry machines (washer and dryer)
Add-ons like pool/spa equipment, well pumps, limited roof leaks, septic systems, etc.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for built-in
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Adjective
While built-in storage space in homes might be diminishing, Kemp has seen a comeback in furnishings that offer functionality, such as storage.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Closing off a superfluous doorway, Ashley centered the entertaining space around a custom built-in inspired by an antique library hutch, which features a wet bar and storage for everything from libations and glassware to toys.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Jan. 2026
Elsewhere, one of the two secondary bedrooms has built-in bunk beds.
—Sandra Barrera, Oc Register, 1 Jan. 2026
Plumbing system Electrical system Water heater Kitchen appliances (refrigerator, oven, range, dishwasher, built-in microwave, garbage disposal)
Laundry machines (washer and dryer)
Add-ons like pool/spa equipment, well pumps, limited roof leaks, septic systems, etc.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for built-in
Cite this Entry
“Built-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/built-in. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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