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 of buildup

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

Many politicians across the alliance insist NATO is quickly driving forward with a vast military buildup, underpinned by a defense industrial boom in Europe. —MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Nov. 2025

There has been a massive American military buildup in the region in recent months, including the US Navy’s largest aircraft carrier, at least eight other warships, and F-35 aircraft. —Reuters 15 Hr Ago, CNN Money, 22 Nov. 2025

Verb

There are plenty of opportunities in Middle Tennessee to build up an appetite before a Thanksgiving meal with a number of morning running events that are usually fundraisers or volunteer opportunities to help those in need. —Andy Humbles, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Nov. 2025

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 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