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

Potter prep Much happened during the three-day media buildup to the debut of the first Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

Among those still looking to buy, more borrowers are turning to adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs – a riskier loan product that played a role in the housing market’s buildup to the 2008 financial crisis. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

Verb

Abbey also has built up a substantial emergency fund, which could cover her living expenses for more than a year if necessary. — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2026

But China's efforts to build up self-sufficiency have reduced the threat to its domestic market from global trade developments. — Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 23 Sep. 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