world-building

noun

world-build·​ing ˈwərl(d)-ˈbil-diŋ 

variants or less commonly world building or worldbuilding

: the creation of a fictional world (especially within the science fiction and fantasy genres) that is believable and consistent within the context of the story

The game pushes the limits of the PS4 graphically and packs so much mythos and backstory into its world-building that at times it feels more like a novel than a video game.

—Patrick Shanley

In my opinion, no one does world-building as well as Kate Elliott. It's subtle … but the world, culture, and societies she creates feel solid. If you think about them when you close the book, you can see how they could work; how the economics could work, how the governing could work, how the cultures formed.

—Michelle West

In postapocalyptic stories, world building typically emphasizes the new reality: new vocabulary to learn, new systems of government to understand, new social norms to parse.

—Shirley Li

It sounds like a lot to take in, but "The Sandman" neatly avoids many genre show pitfalls. While at times its premise and worldbuilding do feel a bit murky, for the most part, it's even less confusing for a layman to get into than other sprawling similar shows such as "Westworld" or "The Witcher."

—Lauren Sarner

Examples of world-building in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Judy Lee, global head of experiences at Pinterest, emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between world-building and fandoms to create deeply immersive real-life experiences that resonate with audiences at the core. —Giana Levy, Variety, 26 Sep. 2025

In the Black Fantastic celebrates the brilliance, imagination, and world-building of Black creators. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2025

Rat Saw God than an extension of its hazy Southern world-building, Bleeds is Wednesday at their best—again. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 19 Sep. 2025

Obviously, there’s a lot of world-building that’s preceded the events that transpire here so diehard fans already deeply entrenched and well-versed on the backgrounds of these characters might have a different reaction than newbies to this dynamite film. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for world-building

• boatbuilding
• outbuilding
• rebuilding
• roadbuilding
• shipbuilding
• upbuilding
• bodybuilding
• building
• gilding