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

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

But in the wake of that buildup, the film's shockingly anticlimactic ending also feels like somewhat of a cop-out. —Megan McCluskey, Time, 24 Oct. 2025

Don't forget to clean trash cans and recycling bins, as any spills or buildup on the bottom may attract fruit flies. —Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2025

Verb

Kitchens require constant cleaning, as dust and grease build up on cabinet tops. —Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Oct. 2025

Successive Somali national governments have tried ever since to build up the state’s capacity, strengthen democracy, and extend its territorial control. —Omar S Mahmood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025

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