built
ˈbilt 
; building
; building
1
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
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
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.
Bill Machrone et al.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
Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
For instance, social connection lifts our mood and benefits health overall — and friends can hold people accountable when building new, healthy habits.
—Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 14 July 2025
Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Prime-One intends to serve nearby towns as well, with the founders saying the plan is to serve 4,000 homes with the initial build and then expand further.
—ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for build
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
Teens benefit most from opportunities that blend rigorous academics or real-world work, meaningful mentorship, and hands-on projects — experiences that build skills and confidence long after college applications are done.
—Sarah Hernholm, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
For instance, social connection lifts our mood and benefits health overall — and friends can hold people accountable when building new, healthy habits.
—Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 14 July 2025
Noun
Lenders like Ally, OneMain, and Santander Consumer show minimal reserve build, while delinquencies among their borrowers continue to rise.
—Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Prime-One intends to serve nearby towns as well, with the founders saying the plan is to serve 4,000 homes with the initial build and then expand further.
—ArsTechnica, 14 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for build
Cite this Entry
“Build.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/build. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
build
2 of 2 noun
: form or kind of structure
especially
: physique
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