building block

noun

: a unit of construction or composition
especially : something essential on which a larger entity is based

Examples of building block in a Sentence

historically the infantry division has been a basic building block of armies
Recent Examples on the Web Samsung has already revealed Samsung Gauss, its AI building blocks that will appear inside the hardware, along with some potential functions. Ewan Spence, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023 Consider those the building blocks to scoring free minis and gifts. Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Nov. 2023 We are introduced to the building blocks of various music traditions, such as the raga and tala in Indian classical music. John Check, WSJ, 16 Nov. 2023 Yes, most farm subsidies go to corn and soy, two building blocks of cheap junk food. Tamar Haspel, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2023 The project’s team sees micro-acts of joy as integral building blocks to better well-being and happiness by improving social trust, positive emotions, and reducing stress. Byalexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 14 Nov. 2023 The first language focused on building blocks: recreating tones and tempi. Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 17 Oct. 2023 These elements form the basic building blocks of DNA and help to power our cells. Amy Brady, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2023 The Giants got crushed in that game, but the first season under Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen was viewed as a success with building blocks. Scott Thompson, Fox News, 5 Oct. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'building block.' 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

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of building block was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near building block

Cite this Entry

“Building block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/building%20block. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

Kids Definition

building block

noun
: a unit of construction or composition
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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