build

1 of 2

verb

ˈbild 

built ˈbilt  ; building

transitive verb

1

: to form by ordering and uniting materials by gradual means into a composite whole : construct

birds building a nest

build new hospitals and schools

the boat her father built

2

: to cause to be constructed

a contractor who has built hundreds of homes

3

: to develop according to a systematic plan, by a definite process, or on a particular base

building a legal case against her

built the organization from the ground up

4

: increase, enlarge

helps build muscle

build support for their candidate

building friendships

intransitive verb

1

: to engage in building

2

a

: to progress toward a peak (as of intensity)

build to a climax

b

: to develop in extent

a crowd building

build

2 of 2

noun

plural builds

1

: form or mode of structure : make

the boxy build of the car

especially : bodily conformation of a person or animal

a man of stocky build

2

: a version or iteration of a product or component

We worked with several builds of the beta code, which was in itself instructive. Things that worked perfectly in one version stopped working at all in the next release.

—Bill Machrone et al.

Phrases

build a fire under

: to stimulate to vigorous action

build into

: to make an integral part of

build quality into the product

build on

: to use as a foundation

building on past experience

Synonyms

Verb

• assemble
• confect
• construct
• erect
• fabricate
• make
• make up
• piece
• put up
• raise
• rear
• set up

Noun

• constitution
• figure
• form
• frame
• habit
• physique
• shape

Examples of build in a Sentence

Verb

The bridge was built in the 1890s.

The planes were built in Germany.

The organization helps build houses for poor families.

A family of birds has built a nest on our roof.

She started building a fire in the fireplace.

He built a model airplane from a kit.

You will need permission to build on your property.

They are building a legal case against the tobacco industry.

scientists building theories about how the universe began

At college, you'll build friendships that will last a lifetime.

Noun

He is strong and muscular in build.

a man of average build

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Another major problem has been posed by impenetrable boulders where the city wants to build a pipeline tunnel under Interstate 805 near Executive Drive. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2024

Working together to make certain progress keep moving forward, building on a foundation that has proven to be solid and an environment that is conducive for growth and development. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2024

In addition to the arena, Meruelo aims to build an entertainment district in north Phoenix. —Corina Vanek, The Arizona Republic, 21 Apr. 2024

Odesa’s free port status financed its extraordinary architectural flowering in the 1800s and helped build its vibrant multiethnic society. —Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2024

The Roots and Soul also hope to build a temporary, 10,000-seat modular stadium on the 8.8-acre Malibu lot. —Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2024

As these programs become more widespread, employees can weather economic uncertainty and build stronger relationships with their employers. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 20 Apr. 2024

Jon’s commitment is basically to provide a high-end concierge service — scouting, going through any permitting issues, continuing to build out the Film Ready NJ program in communities. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 20 Apr. 2024

The secluded parcel provides an opportunity to expand or build a secondary residence. —Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024

Noun

The Padel Court will set you back approximately $254,000 (£200,000) but that figure will vary depending on the scale of the build. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2024

Johnson is described as 130 pounds with a slim build; has long black, braided hair; wearing a red t-shirt under a black-hooded sweatshirt, and gray leggings and red Jordan-brand shoes. —David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2024

Winner: tie The Lexus RX will easily please shoppers looking for comfort, reasonable pricing and reputable build quality. —Alex Nishimoto, Quartz, 3 Apr. 2024

The build quality is impressive, but there is no IP certification. —Ewan Spence, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Also known as the talent incubator initiative, the six-month program helps small brands owned by people of color build and scale their companies with the objective of one day selling at Sephora. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 Mar. 2024

The build quality extends to the keyboard and touchpad as well. —PCMAG, 27 Mar. 2024

Method: Add all ingredients except for the bitters into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously then strain into a new shaker (or remove ice from current shaker) and dry shake again to help the foam of the egg white build. —Jillian Dara, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

The Lakers scratched Anthony Davis and James in the build to the game, which was on national TV. —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English bilden, from Old English byldan; akin to Old English būan to dwell — more at bower

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing build

• build a bridge
• build a fire under
• build around
• build in
• build into
• build on
• build onto
• build-out
• build up
• jerry-build

Kids Definition

build

1 of 2 verb

ˈbild 

built ˈbilt  ; building

1

: to make by putting together parts or materials : construct

build a house

build a bridge

2

: to produce or create gradually

build a winning team

build up your strength

3

: to move or grow toward a peak

excitement was building

build

2 of 2 noun

: form or kind of structure

especially : physique