build

1 of 2

verb

built ˈbilt How to pronounce build (audio) ; building

transitive verb

1
: to form by ordering and uniting materials by gradual means into a composite whole : construct
birds building a nest
build new hospitals and schools
the boat her father built
2
: to cause to be constructed
a contractor who has built hundreds of homes
3
: to develop according to a systematic plan, by a definite process, or on a particular base
building a legal case against her
built the organization from the ground up
4
: increase, enlarge
helps build muscle
build support for their candidate
building friendships

intransitive verb

1
: to engage in building
2
a
: to progress toward a peak (as of intensity)
build to a climax
b
: to develop in extent
a crowd building

build

2 of 2

noun

plural builds
1
: form or mode of structure : make
the boxy build of the car
especially : bodily conformation of a person or animal
a man of stocky build
2
: a version or iteration of a product or component
We worked with several builds of the beta code, which was in itself instructive. Things that worked perfectly in one version stopped working at all in the next release.Bill Machrone et al.
Phrases
build a fire under
: to stimulate to vigorous action
build into
: to make an integral part of
build quality into the product
build on
: to use as a foundation
building on past experience

Examples of build in a Sentence

Verb The bridge was built in the 1890s. The planes were built in Germany. The organization helps build houses for poor families. A family of birds has built a nest on our roof. She started building a fire in the fireplace. He built a model airplane from a kit. You will need permission to build on your property. They are building a legal case against the tobacco industry. scientists building theories about how the universe began At college, you'll build friendships that will last a lifetime. Noun He is strong and muscular in build. a man of average build
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Contradiction builds tension in a story by asking the listener to discern how these two opposing forces will be resolved. Esther K. Choy, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024 Purdie, who wears a half-apron tied at the waist and keeps her long, layered locs tied up in a scarf, moves fluidly from cooktop to convection oven to service counter, building each bowl. Helen Rosner, The New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2024
Noun
Walmart has so many Star Wars Lego sets to choose from, including beginner kits and advanced, intricate builds that offer more of a challenge. Ali Faccenda, People.com, 7 Oct. 2024 The Limitless is the flagship protective case and has reinforced corners and a rigid build. David Phelan, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for build 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'build.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English bilden, from Old English byldan; akin to Old English būan to dwell — more at bower

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of build was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near build

Cite this Entry

“Build.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/build. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

build

1 of 2 verb
built ˈbilt How to pronounce build (audio) ; building
1
: to make by putting together parts or materials : construct
build a house
build a bridge
2
: to produce or create gradually
build a winning team
build up your strength
3
: to move or grow toward a peak
excitement was building

build

2 of 2 noun
: form or kind of structure
especially : physique

More from Merriam-Webster on build

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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