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

Verb

• accelerate
• accumulate
• appreciate
• balloon
• boom
• burgeon
• bourgeon
• climb
• enlarge
• escalate
• expand
• gain
• increase
• mount
• multiply
• mushroom
• proliferate
• rise
• roll up
• snowball
• spread
• swell
• wax

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

This process occurs when excess sugar molecules attach to proteins, leading to the formation and buildup of harmful compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in the body. —Devineé Lingo, M.s., Rdn, Health, 6 Sep. 2024

That could be due to a buildup of dust, dirt and lint on the filter. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 3 Sep. 2024

Verb

Gatorland, then in the hands of Owen Godwin’s son, Frank Godwin, started advertising itself as a cheap alternative while building up its amenities, including an 800-seat stadium built for the park’s flagship gator wrestling show. —Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 18 Aug. 2024

On the job, the man dons a hard hat and construction jacket — not to build up his neighborhood, but to tear it down. —J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

buildup

noun

build·​up ˈbil-ˌdəp 

1

: something produced by building up

2

: the act or process of building up