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

Israeli jets struck the Abu al-Dahar airbase in northern Syria, targeting what officials said was an emerging Turkish military buildup that Israel viewed as a significant threat. — Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026

One American general likened the buildup to the transportation of an entire American city across 10,000 miles. — Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 24 Aug. 2026

Verb

The general account is funded with tax revenue and has been built up to $950 billion under Bessent, compared to $550 billion-$600 billion during the Biden administration, according to the report. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

While room temperature, bedding and sleepwear all play a part, the mattress beneath you can also affect how much heat builds up around your body. — New Atlas, 24 Aug. 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