build

American  

[bild] / bɪld /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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noun

1. physical form, figure, or proportions

   a man with an athletic build

build Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing build

• built
• light (build) a fire under

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of build

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

Explanation

To build is to construct or make something. When you build a house, you start at the very bottom, with the foundation, and work your way up. You build a birdhouse using scraps of wood, a hammer, and nails, or you can build a career as a poet by writing daily and submitting poems to literary magazines. In both examples, you're constructing something yourself using materials and hard work. Another meaning is to make stronger: "I have to build my endurance if I'm going to finish that marathon." The Old English root of build, byldan, specifically means "build a house," from bold, "house."

Example Sentences

The business world’s gold rush to build out AI has resulted in unprecedented demand for computer chips, memory and other electrical parts.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

They recognized that massive computing firepower would be needed to build and maintain frontier AI models and that potentially billions of dollars in fundraising would be necessary to move AI technology forward.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

"The information we receive from the public is vital and every report matters. Without it, we are unable to build an accurate picture, identify patterns of offending and take the most effective action."

From BBC • May 20, 2026

Massie also openly criticized Trump, taking a shot at the president’s plans to build a White House ballroom.

From Slate • May 20, 2026

Mrs. Clarke was a sturdy sort of woman, stout in both build and character, and yet there was a wobble of fear in her voice as she answered her mistress.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

Related Words

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