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 Words From

• building·less adjective
• under·building 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

But no more so than the Sodexo building maintenance man or the two cops who were also killed in the crossfire.

From The Daily Beast

The most recent issue contains detailed instructions for building car bombs, and the magazine frequently draws up hit-lists.

From The Daily Beast

Two witnesses outside the Charlie Hebdo office building quoted the Kouachi brothers claiming they were members of al Qaeda.

From The Daily Beast

I wish I was a young Carole King, working in the Brill Building.

From The Daily Beast

Millions of dollars in renovation later the building is gorgeous—Clean, well-kept, organized.

From The Daily Beast

Almost as soon as she had finished building her nest she had discovered a strange-looking egg there.

From Project Gutenberg

The last-named building remained in the possession of the Unitarians until 1861, when it was sold to the Roman Catholics.

From Project Gutenberg

Children, and the building of a city shall establish a name, but a blameless wife shall be counted above them both.

From Project Gutenberg

He has secured the release of certain Spanish prisoners, and is building two ships.

From Project Gutenberg

He saw a large building, in front of which were long, slender strips of shining steel.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• architecture
• construction
• home
• house
• hut