Definition of build
built
play \ˈbilt\;building
transitive verb
1 : to form by ordering and uniting materials by gradual means into a composite whole : construct birds building a nest build new hospitals and schools the boat her father built
2 : to cause to be constructed a contractor who has built hundreds of homes
3 : to develop according to a systematic plan, by a definite process, or on a particular base building a legal case against her built the organization from the ground up
4 : increase, enlarge helps build muscle build support for their candidate building friendships
intransitive verb
1 : to engage in building
2a : to progress toward a peak (as of intensity) build to a climaxb : to develop in extent a crowd building
build a fire under
: to stimulate to vigorous action
build into
: to make an integral part of build quality into the product
build on
From the M-W Editors
Examples of build in a Sentence
The bridge was built in the 1890s.
The planes were built in Germany.
The organization helps build houses for poor families.
A family of birds has built a nest on our roof.
She started building a fire in the fireplace.
He built a model airplane from a kit.
You will need permission to build on your property.
They are building a legal case against the tobacco industry.
scientists building theories about how the universe began
At college, you'll build friendships that will last a lifetime.
Origin and Etymology of build
Middle English bilden, from Old English byldan; akin to Old English būan to dwell — more at bower
First Known Use: before 12th century
build
Definition of build
: form or mode of structure : make the boxy build of the car; especially : bodily conformation of a person or animal a man of stocky build
Examples of build in a Sentence
He is strong and muscular in build.
a man of average build
Origin and Etymology of build
see 1build
First Known Use: 1667
Other Anatomy Terms
BUILD Defined for English Language Learners
build
playDefinition of build for English Language Learners
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: to make (something) by putting together parts or materials
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: to develop or form (something) gradually
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: to increase the amount of (something)
build
Definition of build for English Language Learners
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: the shape and size of a person's body
BUILD Defined for Kids
Definition of build for Students
built
\ˈbilt\;building
1 : to make by putting together parts or materials
2 : to produce or create gradually by effort It takes time to build a winning team.
3 : to grow or increase to a high point or level Excitement was building.
Definition of build for Students
: the shape and size of a person's or animal's body The boy has a slender build.
Learn More about build
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See words that rhyme with build Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for build Spanish Central: Translation of build Nglish: Translation of build for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of build for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about build
Seen and Heard
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