building

noun

build·​ing ˈbil-diŋ 

1

: a usually roofed and walled structure built for permanent use (as for a dwelling)

2

: the art or business of assembling materials into a structure

Synonyms of building

• structure
• house
• edifice

Examples of building in a Sentence

My office is in that small brick building.

We bought the land for building.

Recent Examples on the Web

Science writer Dan Charles explains why electric utilities are adding the cost of data center buildings to their customers' bills while the data companies pay nothing upfront. —Berly McCoy, NPR, 3 Dec. 2025

This year, Selfridges is dressed in an over-the-top Disney theme, with a 3D Disney castle theatrically topping the building. —Sacbee.com, 3 Dec. 2025

Officials said five residential buildings were destroyed, leaving two people dead. —Matthew Robinson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2025

Known for its rich Appalachian heritage and vibrant arts community, Berea transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with festive lights adorning historic buildings and handmade ornaments decorating every corner. —Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing building

• apartment building
• building block
• building society
• sick building syndrome
• world building

Rhymes for building

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

Kids Definition

building

noun

build·​ing ˈbil-diŋ 

1

: a permanent structure built as a dwelling, shelter, or place for human activity or for storage

an office building

2

: the art, work, or business of assembling materials into a structure