1
: something produced by building up
fluid buildup in the lungs
2
: the act or process of building up
built up; building up; builds up
1
: to develop gradually by increments
building up endurance
built up a library
2
: to promote the health, strength, esteem, or reputation of
: to accumulate or develop appreciably
Examples of buildup in a Sentence
Noun
There is a big traffic buildup on the highway.
You should clean the mechanism regularly to prevent buildup of dirt.
Both players were given big buildups before the game.
Verb
static electricity built up on the cat's fur
the roller coaster built up momentum
Recent Examples on the Web
Daryl Austin, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Numerous other legendary rock acts are scheduled to perform in the buildup to Sabbath's set, including Metallica, Slayer, Slash, Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan, Tom Morello, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 10 May 2025
Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. expects NATO allies to build up to spending 5 percent of their GDP on defense, and Washington will also do the same.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for buildup
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Sometimes, that buildup can cause the clot to become dislodged, which is called an embolism.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 10 May 2025
Numerous other legendary rock acts are scheduled to perform in the buildup to Sabbath's set, including Metallica, Slayer, Slash, Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan, Tom Morello, Pantera, Gojira, Halestorm, Lamb of God, Anthrax, and Mastodon.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 10 May 2025
Verb
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 May 2025
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. expects NATO allies to build up to spending 5 percent of their GDP on defense, and Washington will also do the same.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for buildup
Cite this Entry
“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buildup. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
buildup
noun
build·up
ˈbil-ˌdəp 
1
: something produced by building up
2
: the act or process of building up
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share