buildup

1 of 2

noun

build·​up ˈbild-ˌəp How to pronounce buildup (audio)
1
: something produced by building up
fluid buildup in the lungs
2
: the act or process of building up

build up

2 of 2

verb

built up; building up; builds up

transitive verb

1
: to develop gradually by increments
building up endurance
built up a library
2
: to promote the health, strength, esteem, or reputation of

intransitive verb

: to accumulate or develop appreciably
builder-upper noun

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
Noun
What are clarifying hair products? Clarifying hair products are designed to remove buildup on the scalp and around the roots of the hair. Jessica Fields, Essence, 21 Oct. 2024 Pressure relief: Our pressure map uses heat signals to display pressure buildup. Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 17 Oct. 2024
Verb
Keeping Poor Ventilation Indoors Home smells build up over time. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024 The practice of the repetition of doing anything builds up a kind of snowball effect. ESSENCE: Thank you so much, Andre, for taking the time out to speak to me. Essence, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for buildup 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'buildup.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of buildup was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near buildup

Cite this Entry

“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buildup. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

buildup

noun
build·​up ˈbil-ˌdəp How to pronounce buildup (audio)
1
: something produced by building up
2
: the act or process of building up
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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