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.
The movement, point construction, patience, angles, spins and height that clay-court tennis requires are the building blocks of a career, not just expertise on one surface. Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 1 June 2025 Illinois desperately needs progress on pensions; this measure is an essential building block for the larger solution ahead. Derek Douglas, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025 The six building blocks of Project Beyond include - computing power, networking and connectivity, data operations, app marketplace, AI orchestration and a zero-trust security architecture for industries. Gaurav Sharma, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025 Known for its scientific solution to the mounting mountain of textile waste, Eeden’s chemical recycling technology recovers pure cellulose and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) building blocks from cotton-polyester blends. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 19 May 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 5 Jun. 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!