build

[bild]

verb (used with object)

built , builded, building .

1. to construct (especially something complex) by assembling and joining parts or materials.

   to build a house.

2. to establish, increase, or strengthen (often followed byup ).

   to build a business;

   to build up one's hopes.

3. to mold, form, or create.

   to build students into skilled professionals.

4. to base; found.

   a relationship built on trust.

5. Games.

   1. to make (words) from letters.

   2. to assemble (cards) according to number, suit, etc., as in melding.

   3. to create (a character in a role-playing game) by choosing a job class and/or a set of attributes, skills, weapons, armor, etc.; spec.

      If you want to build a Warlock, choosing Half-Elf for your race will give you more spells and magic resistance.

verb (used without object)

built , builded, building .

1. to engage in the art, practice, or business of building.

2. to form or construct a plan, system of thought, etc. (usually followed by on orupon ).

   He built on the philosophies of the past.

3. to increase or develop toward a maximum, as of intensity, tempo, or magnitude (often followed byup ).

   The drama builds steadily toward a climax.

noun

1. the physical structure, especially of a person; physique; figure.

   He had a strong build.

2. the manner or form of construction.

   The house was of modern build.

3. Computers.

   1. a version of a program after compilation, typically an update to an existing version made before the program is released.

   2. the process of producing a software build.

   3. a new version or update of data in a database or on a website.

      frequent, incremental builds of data.

4. (in a video game or tabletop role-playing game) a set of attributes, skills, weapons, armor, and other items chosen by the player that affect the character’s speed, strength, intelligence, etc., which may make the character more effective in some roles and less effective in others.

5. Masonry.

   1. a vertical joint.

   2. the vertical dimension of a stone laid on its bed.

verb phrase

1. build in / into,  to build or incorporate as part of something else: an allowance for travel expenses built into the budget.

   to build in bookcases between the windows;

   an allowance for travel expenses built into the budget.

2. build out,  to expand, construct, or develop: The team used to manually build out its marketing email list, but now it's automatic.

   They decided to build out the road network to connect the two towns.

   The team used to manually build out its marketing email list, but now it's automatic.

3. build up

   1. to develop or increase.

      to build up a bank account.

   2. to strengthen.

   3. to prepare in stages.

   4. to fill in with houses; develop into an urban area.

   5. to praise or flatter.

build

/ bɪld /

verb

1. to make, construct, or form by joining parts or materials

   to build a house

2. (intr) to be a builder by profession

3. (tr) to order the building of

   the government builds most of our hospitals

4. to base; found

   his theory was not built on facts

5. (tr) to establish and develop

   it took ten years to build a business

6. (tr) to make in a particular way or for a particular purpose

   the car was not built for speed

7. to increase in intensity

   the wind was building

8. cards

   1. to add cards to each other to form (a sequence or set)

   2. (intr) to add to the layout of cards on the table from one's hand

noun

1. physical form, figure, or proportions

   a man with an athletic build

Other Word Forms

• buildable adjective
• misbuild verb
• outbuild verb (used with object)
• prebuild verb (used with object)
• superbuild verb
• unbuildable adjective
• underbuild verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of build¹

First recorded before 1150; from Middle English bilden, Old English byldan, derivative of bold, variant of botl “dwelling, house”

Word History and Origins

Origin of build¹

Old English byldan ; related to bylda farmer, bold building, Old Norse bōl farm, dwelling; see _bower ¹

Idioms and Phrases

• built
• light (build) a fire under

Example Sentences

Barnett credits her large family with helping her build out the stock, specifically the children’s section.

From Los Angeles Times

How do you hope the book will be used to help advocates build a more effective child-care movement?

From Los Angeles Times

She said it was her experience building a human-powered submarine as an undergraduate that got her thinking about a career in the oceans.

From Los Angeles Times

A group of tenants at the building are showing their opposition to the plan with a sit-down protest at a long white plastic table with outdoor chairs occupying some parking spaces.

From Los Angeles Times

People from all walks of life contributed to building the dam through donations and the purchase of government-issued bonds.

From BBC

Related Words

• assemble 
• erect 
• evolve 
• form 
• make 
• manufacture 
• produce 
• raise 
• reconstruct 
• set up