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

A quiet Sunday service in a Michigan Mormon church erupted into horror when a man drove his truck through the front doors, opened fire on worshippers, and set the building on fire, authorities said.

From Salon

“It’s a whole lot more fun to be highlighted for building a great arena. But this too shall pass.”

From Los Angeles Times

That wasn’t just unlike any other American president’s speech; it was categorically different from any other speech ever delivered in that building or to that audience.

From Salon

A large hospital was recently added, and there are various buildings for the base’s more than 42,000 active duty personnel.

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s all about building a relationship with the horse,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• architecture 
• construction 
• home 
• house 
• hut