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

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

Here's what to know about the construction, including what positive changes to expect: What is the construction on I-71? —The Enquirer, 19 Apr. 2024

As a report published by the Center for American Progress noted, these workers were hired under a project-labor agreement, a collective-bargaining contract that requires construction projects to pay employees union-level wages and benefits. —Eyal Press, The New Yorker, 18 Apr. 2024

And then in the 1950s, after World War II, there was this huge economic boom, a lot of home construction going on. —Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024

Officials, including Zeller, communications manager Will Gregory and several members of the construction crew, were sparse on details. —Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2024

The Orange County Business Journal estimates construction on the site cost $500 million, but the House of Mouse was mum on the official cost. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2024

So, the two brothers joined forces to improve their insurance restoration construction business, leveraging their strengths and addressing their weaknesses. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 18 Apr. 2024

But nationwide urban renewal and highway construction efforts in the 1950s and '60s led Milwaukee to put its eyes on many blocks in Bronzeville for revitalization. —Eva Wen, Journal Sentinel, 18 Apr. 2024

Its move this year accommodates the current construction at the base of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument. —The Indianapolis Star, 18 Apr. 2024

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

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