build

verb

\ˈbild

built\ ˈbilt

\; building

Definition of build

(Entry 1 of 2)

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 climax

b : 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

: to use as a foundation building on past experience

build

noun

plural builds

Definition of build (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : 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

2 : a version or iteration of a product or component We worked with several builds of the beta code, which was in itself instructive. Things that worked perfectly in one version stopped working at all in the next release.— Bill Machrone et al.

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about build

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Choose the Right Synonym for build

Verb

build, construct, and erect mean to make a structure. build is used for putting together several parts or materials to form something. Workers are building the house. construct is used for the designing of something and the process of fitting its parts together. Engineers constructed a system of dams across the river. erect is used for the idea of building something that stands up. The tower was erected many years ago.

Examples of build in a Sentence

Verb

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.

Noun

He is strong and muscular in build. a man of average build

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Over-ear wireless headphones in 2018 are expected to all have built-in active noise canceling (NC), which is something the M50xBT headphones lack. — Vlad Savov, The Verge, "Audio-Technica M50xBT review: better beats," 12 Nov. 2018 Three more CDs of studio outtakes, rehearsals and instrumental mixes illuminate the creative choices the Beatles made—lyric changes, tempo alterations, wholesale revamping of arrangements—while building these songs. — Allan Kozinn, WSJ, "The Beatles’ Big Ideas Turn 50," 9 Nov. 2018 That whole absorbing-the-competition thing also means Icelandair Group will be able to funnel money into Icelandair's global expansion and development as a more competitive premium airline, building out its business class and in-flight amenities. — Katherine Lagrave, Condé Nast Traveler, "Icelandair to Buy WOW Air (and Change How We Fly to Iceland)," 5 Nov. 2018 Visibility brings recognition & builds understanding. — Jill Filipovic, Harper's BAZAAR, "Your State-by-State Guide to Women Running in the Midterms," 31 Oct. 2018 The story served as major inspiration when building the Whole Home, a house that can actually help you live longer. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "This Narnia-Inspired Bedroom Will Give You Major Room Envy," 30 Oct. 2018 Take a personalized sleep survey that asks about your sleeping preferences, and the company builds a custom mattress to match. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "How to Build Your Best Bed Ever," 26 Oct. 2018 Fishermen Foragers Home to scores of prehistoric settlement sites, this nearly 100-mile stretch of river is known as the Iron Gates region, named after two dams built decades ago. — Mark Barna, Discover Magazine, "When Farmers and Foragers First Met," 24 Oct. 2018 President Trump's intention to withdraw from a landmark Cold War-era treaty drew a heated response from the Kremlin on Monday, with Russian officials saying the country would respond if the U.S. began building new missiles. — Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, "US decision to withdraw from Cold War-era nuke treaty draws rebuke from Russia," 23 Oct. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

As usual for the company, they were designed for professional use, however their indestructible build, reasonable price, and sharp, incisive sound were warmly received by people looking for something more hi-fi than the dominant Beats options. — Vlad Savov, The Verge, "Audio-Technica M50xBT review: better beats," 12 Nov. 2018 With a focus on Sprinter van conversions, RB Components add a ton of high-end, functional elements to their builds. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "7 van conversion companies that can build your dream camper," 24 Sep. 2018 That officer then places two handcuffs on Keim due to his wide build and takes him to the Chandler Police Department for blood testing. — Arizona Republic, azcentral, "Body cam footage reveals details of Cardinals GM Steve Keim's DUI arrest," 11 July 2018 The same sheet included a build-your-own poke bowl option as well with similar ingredient choices. — Lauren Delgado, OrlandoSentinel.com, "First Bite: Dragonfly Robata Grill & Sushi's Sunday izakaya lunch," 9 July 2018 The pizzas alone are worth the trip; there are more than a half-dozen other specialty pies, as well as a build-your-own option. — Courtney Dabney, star-telegram, "Parker County hadn't had a brewery since 1879. Then one opened this year," 26 June 2018 The brothers specialize in build-your-own fish sandwiches. — Jenn Harris, latimes.com, "Why eating at L.A. malls is way, way better than ever," 21 June 2018 The eight burritos, which are fully realized rather than being in the build-your-own style, are still a belly bomb with a little rice and generous amounts of meat and beans. — Michael Bauer, San Francisco Chronicle, "Comal Next Door hits all the right notes," 30 May 2018 Buy Now Nice Laundry six-pack The build-your-own six pack box from Nice Laundry is a great way to replenish your summer sock options all at once. — Megan Gustashaw, GQ, "These Superior No-Show Socks Are a Summer Miracle," 11 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'build.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.