built-in
Americanadjective
-
built so as to be an integral and permanent part of a larger construction.
The wall has a built-in bookcase.
-
existing as a natural or characteristic part of something; inherent.
a built-in contempt for daydreaming.
noun
-
a built-in piece of furniture or appliance.
-
an additional feature or capability, as of a machine or a service.
a car with power steering, power brakes, and other built-ins.
adjective
-
made or incorporated as an integral part
a built-in cupboard
a built-in escape clause
-
essential; inherent
noun
Etymology
Origin of built-in
First recorded in 1895–1900
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Instead of simply shutting down a cancer-promoting protein, the scientists designed a small molecule that connects it to another protein capable of activating the cell's built-in death program.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2026
OpenAI announced ChatGPT for Teens in August, promising “stronger built-in safety protections” for users under 18, including limits on discussions around suicide, eating disorders, violence and sexual content.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
The unit features hardwood floors and built-in bookshelves and storage.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 2, 2026
OpenAI says Dots come with built-in safety and privacy protections to keep them within the scope of users’ instructions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026
It’s all but a requirement, a built-in fee for our societal double standard.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
