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

Bureaucracies and procurement contracts do not shrink after a buildup. —Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 13 Apr. 2026

Repot plants with visible roots, slowed growth, yellowing leaves, poor drainage, and salt buildup on the soil. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026

Verb

This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. —Star-Telegram Weather Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2026

And recent rains have little effect as Kabul is now so built up there is little unpaved, natural ground where water can penetrate. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

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