jerry-build

verb

jer·ry-build ˈjer-ē-ˌbild

jerry-built ˈjer-ē-ˌbilt

; jerry-building

Synonyms of jerry-build next

next

transitive verb

: to build cheaply and flimsily

jerry-builder noun

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from jerry-built

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of jerry-build was in 1832

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Browse Nearby Words

Jerry

jerry-build

jerry-built

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Jerry-build.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jerry-build. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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