buildup

1 of 2

noun

build·​up ˈbild-ˌəp How to pronounce buildup (audio)
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 noun

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 will reduce any moisture buildup that can turn into mold. Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 29 Sep. 2024 After so much buildup to their eventual courtship, its quick dissolution in the matter of a few episodes is disappointing. Annabel Gutterman, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024
Verb
Lines of ten vast coolers in each hall keep them at a constant 24°C, and maintain no lower than 40% humidity (low humidity allows static electricity to build up). The Week Uk, theweek, 8 Sep. 2024 Despite the lower targets, students continue to fill classrooms and cockpits to train and build up hours to become pilots, said Ken Byrnes, chairman of the flight department at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for buildup 

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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of buildup was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near buildup

Cite this Entry

“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buildup. Accessed 6 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

buildup

noun
build·​up ˈbil-ˌdəp How to pronounce buildup (audio)
1
: something produced by building up
2
: the act or process of building up
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!