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
Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025
It’s also made with fireproof materials and has built-in safety shutoffs to protect against tip-overs and overheating.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2025
The best models self-empty on a charging and many even have built-in mopping functions.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025
This fat-tire ebike (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is affordable, versatile, and has built-in commuter essentials.
—Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 1 Dec. 2025
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Adjective
Like Comcast, having access to beloved franchises that have built-in audiences would be a big boon for Netflix.
—Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 4 Dec. 2025
It’s also made with fireproof materials and has built-in safety shutoffs to protect against tip-overs and overheating.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 Dec. 2025
The best models self-empty on a charging and many even have built-in mopping functions.
—Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025
This fat-tire ebike (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is affordable, versatile, and has built-in commuter essentials.
—Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 1 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 14 Dec. 2025.
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