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
her best-seller status gave her 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
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
The lid supports up to 250 pounds and has built-in cupholders.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Combining sleek, minimalist design with smart storage, the ALEX Desk has built-in drawers to keep your workspace tidy and a generous worktop for all your tasks.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2025
The brand recently launched its own browser called Comet with AI built-in from the ground up, and the company has reportedly spent the summer making bids for its rivals.
—PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for built-in
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Adjective
Circuit breakers Some outlets will have built-in circuit breakers, which will act as a fail-safe if too much power is channeled through the outlet.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025
The lid supports up to 250 pounds and has built-in cupholders.
—Christopher Murray
May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Combining sleek, minimalist design with smart storage, the ALEX Desk has built-in drawers to keep your workspace tidy and a generous worktop for all your tasks.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2025
The brand recently launched its own browser called Comet with AI built-in from the ground up, and the company has reportedly spent the summer making bids for its rivals.
—PC Magazine, 15 Aug. 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 9 Sep. 2025.
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