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.
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
Alora Bopray, USA Today, 24 Dec. 2025
Audio options Many short throw projectors have built-in speakers.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
The mattress cover has built-in cooling technology that’s designed to absorb and erase heat altogether.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 19 Dec. 2025
The compact gadget has built-in cables and ports to charge phones, smartwatches, wireless headphones, and more — no outlet required.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for built-in
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Adjective
Plumbing system Electrical system Water heater Kitchen appliances (refrigerator, oven, range, dishwasher, built-in microwave, garbage disposal)
Laundry machines (washer and dryer)
Add-ons like pool/spa equipment, well pumps, limited roof leaks, septic systems, etc.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 24 Dec. 2025
Audio options Many short throw projectors have built-in speakers.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025
The mattress cover has built-in cooling technology that’s designed to absorb and erase heat altogether.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 19 Dec. 2025
The compact gadget has built-in cables and ports to charge phones, smartwatches, wireless headphones, and more — no outlet required.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for built-in
Cite this Entry
“Built-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/built-in. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
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