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 them

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

see also build a fire under, build into, build on

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.

Synonyms of build

Verb

• construct
• assemble
• make
• create

Noun

• physique
• shape
• frame
• form
• figure

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

Differences in schedules, energy levels, and expectations can quietly build resentment when left unaddressed. —Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025

The rail system, whose first bond issue was approved by California voters in 2008, has built more than 50 major railway structures, including bridges, overpasses, undercrossings, and viaducts, and completed nearly 80 miles of guideway for the project. —David Shepardson, USA Today, 28 Dec. 2025

Noun

Devices that do not meet these requirements may be rejected during inspections in new builds, renovations, or rental properties, and can complicate insurance reviews following an incident. —New Atlas, 25 Dec. 2025

The firm is pursuing a buy-and-build strategy focused initially on property and casualty insurance, acquiring and building businesses globally. —Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 23 Dec. 2025

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 around
• build consensus
• build in
• build onto
• build-out
• build up
• jerry-build

Rhymes for build

• billed
• chilled
• drilled
• filled
• frilled
• gild
• grilled
• guild
• killed
• milled
• rilled
• shrilled

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