build up

British  

verb

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

2. to increase, accumulate, or strengthen, esp by degrees

   the murmur built up to a roar

3. (intr) to prepare for or gradually approach a climax

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

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

6. (tr) to cause (a person, enterprise, etc) to become better known; publicize

   they built several actresses up into stars

---

noun

1. progressive increase in number, size, etc

   the build-up of industry

2. a gradual approach to a climax or critical point

3. the training and practice that constitutes the preparation for a particular event or competition

   the team's Olympic build-up

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

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

build up Idioms  

1. 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]

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

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

4. 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]

5. 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]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

build up

"The vines were able to build up sufficient water reserves so that, despite the extreme heat of recent months, the grapes reached maturity in good conditions," Mobrici said.

From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026

For example, your pet might need $3,000 in care just a few months after you open an account, before you’ve had time to build up a sizable fund.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 15, 2026

Could do little about deflection before Leeds' first goal but gave the ball away in build up to Leeds' second.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2026

Carney aims to secure C$1 trillion, or about $723 billion, over five years to build up economic resilience.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

Like a pressure cooker, it is designed to hold together even as extreme amounts of steam build up inside it.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Related Words

• add to
• boost
• develop
• enhance
• expand
• fortify
• improve
• increase
• intensify
• promote
• reinforce
• strengthen