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

The Furart Slim Wallet has built-in RFID-blocking technology, holds six cards, plus cash and an ID, and is thin enough to fit in pants pockets without any bulk. — Chantelle Kincy, Travel + Leisure, 25 June 2026

Note that the innersprings are ventilated and have built-in airflow. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 June 2026

And the built-in carrying handle only adds to its grab-and-go appeal. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

There are models from top brands that have built-in speakers that will make your old Blue Oyster Cult and Boston albums sound great all over again. — Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 23 June 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