built-in

1 of 2

adjective

Synonyms of built-innext
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

: a built-in piece of furniture

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
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Adjective
For a service built on impulse viewing, telco deals buy instant reach and built-in billing in price-sensitive markets where persuading users to sign up directly can be hard. Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2026 All five cards also have built-in glow markers that absorb light and glow in the dark to make the tool easier to find. Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 15 June 2026 Like the Nova Pro Wireless and the Nova Elite, the Nova Pro Omni has built-in active noise cancellation (ANC). Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 14 June 2026 However, some higher-end models have built-in food-waste disposals, and pre-rinsing is not as efficient as scraping for modern dishwashers. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for built-in

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of built-in was in 1852

Cite this Entry

“Built-in.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/built-in. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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

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