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
Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2026
The handles have built-in sensors, but those sensors only track the handle.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
As a bonus, the lids also have built-in vents for splatter-free microwaving (just be sure to wash the lids on the top rack when you're done).
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Google Play Protect, which is built-in malware protection for Android devices, automatically removes known malware.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for built-in
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Adjective
Kansas City Current has built-in plan The NWSL will take a four-week break after the slate of matches held May 29-31.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 17 Feb. 2026
The handles have built-in sensors, but those sensors only track the handle.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026
As a bonus, the lids also have built-in vents for splatter-free microwaving (just be sure to wash the lids on the top rack when you're done).
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Google Play Protect, which is built-in malware protection for Android devices, automatically removes known malware.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
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 1 Mar. 2026.
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