build

verb \ ˈbild \

|Updated on: 13 Jul 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: build in a Sentence

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

2 a : 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

See build defined for English-language learners

See build defined for kids

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.

Recent Examples of build from the Web

Trumbo’s home run came after the Yankees (58-30) put together four hits in a two-run third inning, one that built on the 1-0 lead that Giancarlo Stanton created with a second-inning home run.

— jon meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Danny Valencia's three-run homer gives Orioles 5-4 win vs. Yankees, ending six-game slide," 9 July 2018
If Dooley, who has never served as an offensive coordinator, can build on the strengths of the 2017 Missouri team while incorporating some more traditional pro-style aspects to the offense, Lock could be among the best quarterbacks in the country.

— jon hale, The Courier-Journal, "How Kentucky football can win (or lose) against Missouri in 2018," 9 July 2018
The Heat will play at least two more games after Tuesday in the event's tournament bracket, with Jones hopeful of an opportunity to further build on his summer success.

— ira winderman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Bam Adebayo's current challenge? Be the Udonis Haslem of summer league," 9 July 2018
In Oak Ridge North, the 15 percent HOT tax was introduced to accommodate the now-defunct Crowne Plaza project that was set to be built on Interstate 45 and Robinson Road.

— marialuisa rincon, Houston Chronicle, "Township officials face challenges with Airbnb," 8 July 2018
The preliminary numbers look good, I’ve been told, building on last year’s results.

— tom stienstra, SFChronicle.com, "Chart-buster times: salmon to whales, bears to bighorns," 8 July 2018
China is a much bigger strategic problem for Russia than the U.S. is, and friendships have been built on much less.

— ian bremmer, Time, "Trump and Putin Will Call Their Summit a Success. But Don't Expect U.S.-Russia Relations to Improve," 6 July 2018
The aquatic center, to be built on the southwest side of the high school, and a new elementary school at the former Mundell site, were both part of a $41.2 million capital projects referendum approved by voters last November.

— carole carlson, Post-Tribune, "Hobart awards bids for high school aquatic center," 6 July 2018
Yazid will look to build on this success in the coming seasons and help the team grow its win total.

— mark iandolo, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Where are they now? Adams, Brogan, Thompson and Yazid," 6 July 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.

Origin and Etymology of build

Middle English bilden, from Old English byldan; akin to Old English būan to dwell — more at bower

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

See Words from the same year

build Synonyms

Phrases

put together;

build

noun

Definition of build

plural builds

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.