buildup

or build-up

[ bild-uhp ]

/ ˈbɪldˌʌp /

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See synonyms for buildup on Thesaurus.com

noun

a building up, as of military forces; increase in amount or number.

a process of growth; strengthening; development: the buildup of heavy industry.

an accumulation, as of a particular type of material: a buildup of salt deposits.

an increase, as in potential, intensity, or pressure: A buildup of suspense began halfway through the movie.

a progressive or sequential development: the buildup of helium atoms from hydrogen.

praise or publicity designed to enhance a reputation or popularize someone or something: The studio spent $100,000 on the new star's buildup.

a process of preparation designed to make possible the achievement of an ultimate objective: a lengthy buildup to a sales pitch.

encouragement; a psychological lift: Every time I need a buildup, I look at her picture.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of buildup

1925–30, Americanism; noun use of verb phrase build up

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use buildup in a sentence

To try to counter the Russian military build-up, Kiev has redeployed more forces eastward.
Putin Is Lying on Ukraine—and the West Can’t Stop Him|Jamie Dettmer|November 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They have been there already helping to build up the air force in Iraq.
Contractors Ready to Cash In On ISIS War|Eli Lake|September 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The first few snowfalls you'd build up your banks, and then when the snow melts it runs off the banks and freezes.
Gordie Howe Hockey’s Greatest War Horse|W.C. Heinz|May 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There are many terms for this kind of breathing, but the general purpose is to build up heat.
How to Master the Art of Breathing|Ari Meisel|April 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Most researchers think the disease is caused by the build-up of beta amyloid.
Twenty Years of Alzheimer’s Research May Have Focused on the Wrong Protein|Elizabeth Lopatto|April 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sir Daniel then shows that it was possible to build up the marvellous Scottish banking system only on the character so built.
Third class in Indian railways|Mahatma Gandhi
Draw thee water for the siege, build up thy bulwarks: go into the clay, and tread, work it and make brick.
The Bible, Douay-Rheims Version|Various
She needed to build up a stranger constitution and her friends were sure the western air would help as no medicine could.
The Adventure Girls at K Bar O|Clair Blank
But they had not yet received power sufficient to fully organize and build up that kingdom on the earth.
The Kingdom of God, Part 1|Orson Pratt
They already had power to work mighty miracles, but had not the power to build up the kingdom of God.
The Kingdom of God, Part 1|Orson Pratt

British Dictionary definitions for buildup

build up

verb (adverb)

(tr) to construct gradually, systematically, and in stages

to increase, accumulate, or strengthen, esp by degreesthe murmur built up to a roar

(intr) to prepare for or gradually approach a climax

(tr) to improve the health or physique of (a person)

(tr, usually passive) to cover (an area) with buildings

(tr) to cause (a person, enterprise, etc) to become better known; publicizethey built several actresses up into stars

noun build-up

progressive increase in number, size, etcthe build-up of industry

a gradual approach to a climax or critical point

the training and practice that constitutes the preparation for a particular event or competitionthe team's Olympic build-up

extravagant publicity or praise, esp in the form of a campaign

military the process of attaining the required strength of forces and equipment, esp prior to an operation

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with buildup

build up

Fill an area with houses or other buildings, urbanize. For example, We want to protect the wetlands against those who want to build up the area. [c. 1400]

Gradually develop, increase in stages. For example, I want to build up my endurance for the race. [Early 1700s]

Accumulate or collect, as in A lot of rust has built up on the farm machinery. [Mid-1900s]

Increase, strengthen, develop toward, as in The sound built up until it was nearly deafening, or His argument was building up to a grand climax. [c. 1930]

Establish or enhance a reputation; praise or flatter. For example, Months before the official campaign could begin, they had been building up the senator's image. [c. 1930]