team building

noun

variants or team-building

ˈtēm-ˌbil-diŋ 

or less commonly teambuilding

1

: the development or strengthening of cooperation, collaboration, and camaraderie among members of a team or group

a leader who is adept at team building

… his reputation for strong managerial and team-building skills …

—Peter Politis, quoted in Timmins Daily Press

also : activities or efforts aimed at achieving team building

Families, groups, schools, and businesses can rent the ice for celebrations, team building, or hockey practices and games.

—Toledo (Ohio) Blade (online)

When you cultivate a supportive atmosphere through team building, your organization can retain employees 50% longer than those in negative settings.

—John Cook

team building strategies

… endured the forced camaraderie of team-building exercises at corporate retreats …

—Doug Colligan

2

: the act of choosing the members of a team (as in sports)

… a capable, proven veteran would be a major first step to a productive offseason of team-building.

—Mike Reiss

—often used before another noun

The 2025 season hasn't been one to take much from, heading into another offseason that Cowboys fans hope will see the front office change its team-building ways.

—Mike Crum

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined at sense 2