building block

noun

: a unit of construction or composition
especially : something essential on which a larger entity is based

Examples of building block in a Sentence

historically the infantry division has been a basic building block of armies
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trusted partners are worth investing in because trust is returned in-kind and serves as a critical building block to a strong relationship. Guy Diedrich, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025 The popular neighborhood Toronto bar, inside a brick Victorian building blocks from the University of Toronto’s campus, is replete with billiards tables and a full rack of liquor. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 May 2025 One of his service projects included building blocks and a toy box for his church nursery, as well as refurbishing toys. Nasha Smith, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025 And critics point to how promoting plastic helps the fossil fuel industry, which produces the building blocks of plastic. Hiroko Tabuchi, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for building block

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of building block was in 1756

Cite this Entry

“Building block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/building%20block. Accessed 13 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

building block

noun
: a unit of construction or composition
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!