builder

American  

[bil-der] / ˈbɪl dər /

noun

1. a person who builds.

2. a person who constructs buildings under contract or as a speculation.

3. a substance, as an abrasive or filler, added to soaps or other cleaning agents to increase their effectiveness.

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builder British  

/ ˈbɪldə /

noun

1. a person who builds, esp one who contracts for and supervises the construction or repair of buildings

2. a substance added to a soap or detergent as a filler or abrasive

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Other Word Forms

• underbuilder noun

Etymology

Origin of builder

First recorded in 1350–1400, builder is from the Middle English word bildere. See build, -er ¹

Example Sentences

The administration is considering a “carrot-and-sticks” approach to home builders, focusing on incentives and disincentives.

From Barron's

Or they are disappearing altogether when builders buy them and convert them to costlier housing.

From The Wall Street Journal

Readings of less than 50 indicate that home builders are pessimistic about the single-family housing market in the next six months.

From Barron's

Readings of less than 50 indicate that home builders are pessimistic about the single-family housing market in the next six months.

From Barron's

More recently, Lutnick asked builders what kind of incentives they would like, according to a person familiar with the discussions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• architect
• artisan
• contractor
• inventor
• maker
• manufacturer
• producer