building block

noun

Synonyms of building blocknext
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The scene came in a fictional segment parodying Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead in which Maggie defends her architectural talents after her daycare teacher punishes her for making beautiful structures from building blocks. Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Dec. 2025 The ecstasy of love and the fear of passing poison through one’s blood are, for Dijon, building blocks as elemental as drums. Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 8 Dec. 2025 Carbon turns building block Rahbar says the global dependence on concrete urgently needs rethinking. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 2025 Protein is made up of amino acids, which are known as building blocks. Karen Berger, Verywell Health, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for building block

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

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

Cite this Entry

“Building block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/building%20block. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

building block

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