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
Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
The spacious table has an umbrella hole already built-in, and because it's slatted, any spills just slip through.
—Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 2 Feb. 2026
The result is traceable 99.9 percent pure 24-karat gold that can be used in jewelry and watches or kept as investment bars and coins with full transparency built-in.
—Jill Newman, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2026
However, some higher-end models have built-in food-waste disposals, and pre-rinsing is not as efficient as scraping for modern dishwashers.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for built-in
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Adjective
Many of their one piece suits have built-in underwire which is incredibly rare.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 7 Feb. 2026
The spacious table has an umbrella hole already built-in, and because it's slatted, any spills just slip through.
—Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 2 Feb. 2026
The result is traceable 99.9 percent pure 24-karat gold that can be used in jewelry and watches or kept as investment bars and coins with full transparency built-in.
—Jill Newman, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2026
However, some higher-end models have built-in food-waste disposals, and pre-rinsing is not as efficient as scraping for modern dishwashers.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026
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 21 Feb. 2026.
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