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 captain’s chairs are heated, feature LATCH and top-tether anchors, have individual arm rests that fold flush into the seat edge, and have built-in cup holders that flip down from the seat’s inside edge. — Joel Feder, The Drive, 13 Aug. 2026

Teen accounts have 50 preset safety, privacy and security settings built-in, and TikTok's Family Pairing tools give parents direct control over screen time and content filters. — Lauren Linder, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

The days surrounding each shooting form built-in comparison groups, so any jump on the day after stands out against the typical daily patterns in road deaths. — Vishal R. Patel, Time, 9 Aug. 2026

Google’s Nano Banana technology allows users to generate AI images using simple queries, built-in to its Gemini chatbot. — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 7 Aug. 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