building

[bil-ding]

noun

1. a relatively permanent enclosed construction over a plot of land, having a roof and usually windows and often more than one level, used for any of a wide variety of activities, as living, entertaining, or manufacturing.

2. anything built built or constructed.

3. the act, business, or practice of constructing houses, office buildings, etc.

building

/ ˈbɪldɪŋ /

noun

1. something built with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory

2. the act, business, occupation, or art of building houses, boats, etc

Other Word Forms

• buildingless adjective
• underbuilding noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of building¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, building is from the Middle English word byldinge. See build, -ing ¹

Synonym Study

Building, edifice, structure refer to something built. Building and structure may apply to either a finished or an unfinished product of construction, and carry no implications as to size or condition. Edifice is a more formal word and narrower in application, referring to a completed structure, and usually a large and imposing one. Building generally connotes a useful purpose (houses, schools, business offices, etc.); structure suggests the planning and constructive process.

Example Sentences

Already farmers, building contractors, restaurant owners and others fret over a future where their workforce is afraid to clock in.

From Los Angeles Times

At the bottom is Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn, which has had major problems with its buildings because of structural weaknesses and the need for props to hold up ceilings.

From BBC

Scotland have rarely put any team to the sword under Clarke's tenure, but overall they have been effective in building on a solid base and being clinical in key moments.

From BBC

Mr Agnelli died more than 20 years ago after building Fiat up from a small car manufacturer into a major conglomerate.

From BBC

“But walking across a lawn to get to the entrance of a building is not considered functional,” Guerrero said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• architecture 
• construction 
• home 
• house 
• hut