buildup

1 of 2

noun

build·​up ˈbild-ˌəp 

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

ˈbil-dər-ˈə-pər 

noun

Synonyms of buildup

Verb

• increase
• rise
• accelerate
• swell
• expand
• climb
• roll up

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

The Army–Navy game has returned to Baltimore for the first time since 2016 — and the buildup is just as meaningful as the matchup itself. —Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 13 Dec. 2025

Maduro has repeatedly described the buildup as an effort to remove him from power. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 Dec. 2025

Verb

Since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin, it can be stored in the body and build up over time. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 12 Dec. 2025

The sales pitch is about growth and building up the brand. —Evan Clark, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for buildup

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup
• pickup

Kids Definition

buildup

noun

build·​up ˈbil-ˌdəp 

1

: something produced by building up

2

: the act or process of building up