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

Grease can travel through the air as a vapor, so no surface in your kitchen is safe from a greasy buildup, especially your appliances that often sit at the frontline of duty. —Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 16 Mar. 2026

That breathability appears to help prevent odor buildup as well. —Joe Jackson, Outside, 16 Mar. 2026

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, 17 Mar. 2026

Venable said the Sox think Pereira has enough time to build up for the start of the season. —Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 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