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

Slyvester participated in the talks, because his union represents the Chicago workers that would build the train cars for the company, Klinzman said. — Bill Ruthhart, chicagotribune.com, "Who is in Asia with Emanuel? Campaign donors, lobbyists, developers, business heavyweights," 13 July 2018 DC Universe, the forthcoming SVOD service, is officially building out its own universe. The platform has officially tapped April Bowlby to take on the role of Elasti-Woman in its upcoming live-action take on Doom Patrol. — Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Doom Patrol' Casts Its Elasti-Woman for Live-Action DC Universe Series," 13 July 2018 It’s pared down from vests built for ultras, which require the runner to carry more gear than an OCR, without compromising on features. — Ariella Gintzler, Outside Online, "Testing Ultimate Direction’s New OCR Vest," 12 July 2018 Business prospered, and Jacob Bauermann built a new house for twice as much money in the countryside of Catonsville. — Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, "Collapse: The rise and deadly fall of a Baltimore rowhouse," 12 July 2018 Governor Lael Brainard has also been building some of that case. — Nick Timiraos, WSJ, "Transcript: WSJ Interview With Chicago Fed President Charles Evans," 11 July 2018 The final idea tossed around to jumpstart SMRs is building them for export. — David Roberts, Vox, "The US is rapidly losing nuclear power. That’s profoundly concerning for climate change.," 11 July 2018 The original Tunxis Hose fire house, which still stands today and is in the National Register of Historic Places, was built for the cost of $4,000 on property purchased for $600. — Michael Walsh, Courant Community, "Tunxis Hose Fire Department Celebrating 125 Years," 10 July 2018 In Yenikoy, a village near the new airport, the sense of crisis has been building since Mr. Erdogan unleashed the project, chasing the dream of turning the city into a global air hub to rival London and Dubai. — New York Times, "Turkey’s Economy Is So Hot That It May Face a Meltdown," 10 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

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 Tacos are just one of the build-your-own options at Condado. — Liz Biro, Indianapolis Star, "Huge late-night taco spot coming to Broad Ripple lets you build your own," 7 May 2018 The brother-and-sister team of Jeff and Michelle Pizzuli planted the popular build-your-own concept's first location in Ohio City in 2009. — Nikki Delamotte, cleveland.com, "Ohio City Burrito opens in downtown Cleveland," 7 May 2018 The most expensive item from the collection, the build-your-own customizable palette, comes in at $49. — Harper's Bazaar Staff, Harper's BAZAAR, "We Tested All 70 Jennifer Lopez for Inglot Makeup Products," 25 Apr. 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.