construction

noun

con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən 

1

: the act or result of construing, interpreting, or explaining

2

a

: the process, art, or manner of constructing something

Construction of the new bridge will begin in the spring.

also : a thing constructed

b

: the construction industry

working in construction

3

: the arrangement and connection of words or groups of words in a sentence : syntactical arrangement

That verb is often used in passive constructions.

4

: a sculpture that is put together out of separate pieces of often disparate materials

constructional

kən-ˈstrək-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

constructionally adverb

Synonyms

• erection
• structure

Example Sentences

Construction of the new bridge will begin in the spring.

Construction on the bridge will occur daily from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Note the similar construction of the buildings.

Some people think it is wrong to end a sentence with a preposition, but the construction is quite common in English.

That verb is commonly used in passive constructions.

This word is used in positive constructions.

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Recent Examples on the Web

As part of a $148 million project to overhaul the gridlocked area, construction on the interchange has been ongoing for more than a year, but slowdowns have been limited with most of road closures taking place during nighttime hours. —Wells Dusenbury, Sun Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2023

The unusual design of the Fort Sumter Hotel riled some of the locals when construction on the building began, according to some accounts that Ms. Minnigan has read. —Beth Decarbo, WSJ, 13 Jan. 2023

Some of these projects are due to start construction within a matter of weeks. —Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 11 Jan. 2023

Photos obtained exclusively by the Daily Mail show construction on the wall around Biden's Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home began last week. —Brandon Gillespie, Fox News, 10 Jan. 2023

Late last year, Holt Lunsford started construction on a three-building business park in Denton. —Dallas News, 10 Jan. 2023

The senators' visit comes during the same week that the Border Patrol is to begin construction on four gaps along the border wall near the Morelos Dam near Yuma. —The Arizona Republic, 10 Jan. 2023

All 10 projects must begin construction within five years, Bridges said. —Adrienne Roberts, Detroit Free Press, 10 Jan. 2023

That’s why McGrath was pleased to learn that Harvest Time will soon begin construction on a new 30,000-square-foot facility on a grassy spot across from the agency’s main center that will provide more space for its Hope Center. —Martin E. Comas, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

see construct entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing construction

• under construction
• construction paper
• in construction
• pre-construction

• under construction
• construction paper
• in construction
• pre-construction

Kids Definition

construction

noun

con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən 

1

: interpretation sense 1

strict construction of the law

2

: the process, art, or manner of constructing

3

: something built or put together : structure

4

: the arrangement and connection of words or groups of words in a sentence

Legal Definition

construction

noun

con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən 

: the act or result of construing, interpreting, or explaining meaning or effect (as of a statute or contract)

the construction placed upon an agreement

—J. D. Calamari and J. M. Perillo