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-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

constructionally adverb

Synonyms of construction

• structure

Examples of construction in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

The $360 million project — located along Farnsworth Avenue and Bilter Road, across the street from Chicago Premium Outlets mall and near the Interstate 88 interchange — has been under construction since 2023. —R. Christian Smith, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026

Other Democratic candidates include Chris Espinosa, a federal policy advisor; businessman Liam Andres O’Neill Hernandez; physician Sonia Kacker; and Sasan Samadzadeh, a construction inspector and caretaker. —Linh Tat, Daily News, 23 May 2026

Visas are often granted for only up to one year, while many construction jobs require seasoned workers with certifications and good insurance. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 May 2026

No doubt the requisite gold statue will soon be in place at a cost of more millions, the construction of which will yield millions to the grifter-in-chief. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

see construct entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing construction

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

Rhymes for construction

• abduction
• adduction
• conduction
• deduction
• destruction
• eduction
• induction
• instruction
• obstruction
• production
• reduction
• seduction

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