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

For management, this creates a dangerous illusion of stability while masking a toxic buildup of internal resentment within the workforce. — Janine Schindler, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Whenever possible, park in the shade, use a windshield sunshade, or cover the dashboard to reduce heat buildup. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

Verb

Ahead of the war, China built up its oil stockpiles and has been relying on that inventory for its crude needs — rather than imports — ever since. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

In other words, the knowledge and the connections that De la Fuente has built up over time. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 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