built-in

1 of 2

adjective

ˈbilt-ˈin 

1

a

: forming an integral part of a structure or object

a camera with a built-in flash

especially : constructed as or in a recess in a wall

a built-in bookshelf

b

: built into the ground

a built-in swimming pool

2

a

: inherent

a built-in advantage

b

: already established

Their best-seller status gave them a built-in audience.

built-in

2 of 2

noun

ˈbilt-ˌin 

: a built-in piece of furniture

Synonyms of built-in

Adjective

• inherent
• intrinsic
• integral
• essential

Examples of built-in in a Sentence

Adjective

a poker player with a seemingly built-in ability to read his opponents' faces

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

To navigate architectural challenges consider having built-in or custom storage made for the space. — Sophia Herring, Architectural Digest, 9 Sep. 2026

The water-resistant exterior is suited for stadiums, gyms, and concerts and the smart design folds flat with a built-in carrying strap for easy transportation. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Talk about the space, there’s a restaurant built-in to the space as well as a secondary room with a projector. — Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 7 Sep. 2026

The ultra-flattering pants have a built-in smoothing tummy panel and are made from a soft, super-stretchy denim material. — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1919, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for built-in

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin

Kids Definition

built-in

adjective

ˈbil-ˈtin

1

: forming a permanent part of a structure or object

built-in bookcases

2

: built into the ground

a built-in swimming pool