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

If there is heavy buildup of grease, soak the basket and tray in a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and warm water for up to an hour, then scrub the pieces with dish soap and rinse with water to eliminate any remaining vinegar residue. —Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026

Either commercial bathroom cleansers or white vinegar can effectively remove hard water stains and mineral buildup. —Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026

Verb

His party successfully capitalized on rising nationalism fueled by a deadly border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia last year, economic woes and uncertainty over Thailand’s trade relationship with the United States, and built up a strong local support base. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 Feb. 2026

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