building block

American  

noun

1. block.

2. one of a set of cube-shaped blocks used by children to make simple constructions.

3. a basic element or component.

   the building blocks of proteins.

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building block British  

noun

1. a block of stone or other material, larger than a brick, used in building

2. a component that fits with others to form a whole

   standardized software building blocks

3. another name for (the child's toy) block

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Etymology

Origin of building block

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

“All of the building blocks of what would become successful prosecutions were pulled out,” said Gerbasi, who retired as the section’s acting deputy chief for policy in March 2025 after 28 years with the department.

From Salon

These interactions are thought to have played a major role in shaping the early Solar System and may have contributed to the delivery of life's building blocks to Earth.

From Science Daily

Naphtha, ethane and propane are the building blocks of plastics.

From The Wall Street Journal

They break down large molecules into simpler building blocks that the cell can reuse.

From Science Daily

These common particles are composed of three quarks, which are fundamental building blocks of matter.

From Barron's

Related Words

• constituent
• ingredient