build

1 of 2

verb

ˈbild 

built ˈbilt  ; 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

Synonyms

Verb

• assemble
• confect
• construct
• erect
• fabricate
• make
• make up
• piece
• put up
• raise
• rear
• set up

Noun

• constitution
• figure
• form
• frame
• habit
• physique
• shape

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

So, nix that step by building a home gym that makes squeezing in a HIIT class first thing in the morning, a treadmill run at lunch or a yoga session on the fly much more doable. —Sarah Sekula, USA Today, 17 May 2025

But it’s also used as a preservative in a wide variety of products, from building materials to paints and plastics. —Kaitlin Sullivan, Health, 17 May 2025

Noun

Starting with the build, the Swift Edge 14 AI measures just 0.65 inch thick and weighs 2.18 pounds. —Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 16 May 2025

This would accelerate the desert sheikhdom’s ability to the build data centers needed to power its AI models. —Natasha Turak, CNBC, 16 May 2025

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

Phrases Containing build

• build a bridge
• build around
• build in
• build onto
• build-out
• build up
• jerry-build

Rhymes for build

• billed
• chilled
• drilled
• filled
• frilled
• gild
• grilled
• guild
• killed
• milled
• rilled
• shrilled

Kids Definition

build

1 of 2 verb

ˈbild 

built ˈbilt  ; 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