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
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.
Once upon a time, the Pelicans had a bounty of draft picks from the Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday trades and a possible generational building block in Williamson. John Hollinger, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 The best face wash for your skin type is assuredly the building block of a superb skin-care routine. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Oct. 2025 Billions of years ago, this process may have produced the building blocks of Earth’s earliest life. Mindy Weisberger, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025 View gallery - 7 images Functioning a little like oversized Lego, the versatility of shipping containers ensures that architects never run out of ideas for using them as building blocks. New Atlas, 6 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

building block

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