building

noun

build·​ing ˈbil-diŋ How to pronounce building (audio)
1
: a usually roofed and walled structure built for permanent use (as for a dwelling)
2
: the art or business of assembling materials into a structure

Examples of building in a Sentence

My office is in that small brick building. We bought the land for building.
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.
In the exclusive pic above, Fallon and Saint John, 48, are seen standing side-by-side in a sleek brick building with smiles on their faces. Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 May 2025 Her pathway to revitalize the Brownsville Community includes a multi-site development spanning 16 parcels that includes 30 units across 17 buildings anchored in the Bronzeville Arts and Cultural District. Stephanie Tharpe, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 Starts for buildings with five or more units were up more than 28% between April 2024 and April 2025, and permits were up 2%. Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 19 May 2025 Police found a 1994 Nissan Altima had struck a building near the intersection and the driver and passenger had to be extricated, according to a release from Sgt. Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for building

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of building was in the 13th century

Cite this Entry

“Building.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/building. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

building

noun
build·​ing ˈbil-diŋ How to pronounce building (audio)
1
: a permanent structure built as a dwelling, shelter, or place for human activity or for storage
an office building
2
: the art, work, or business of assembling materials into a structure

More from Merriam-Webster on building

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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