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

Terraces have built-in, hot spring-fed pools and all face over the canopy below, to the Arenal volcano. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Mar. 2026

Those tongues are basically built-in grooming kits. —Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2026

Schneider Electric launched an EV charger that has built-in load management technology so builders can install EV charging on the existing system without upsizing the panel, which cuts down install time and costs. —Jennifer Castenson, Forbes.com, 26 Feb. 2026

Kansas City Current has built-in plan The NWSL will take a four-week break after the slate of matches held May 29-31. —Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 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
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin
• pinyin

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