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

Their design could also be integrated with other quantum technologies, serving as a building block for connecting different types of quantum platforms.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

In its primordial form, liberalism was a political belief that the building block of society is the individual—an idea tethered loosely to the Christian notion that every single human being contains a divine spark.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Speaking to TNT Sports, returning captain John McGinn suggested that the result had provided Villa with a "building block" and the opportunity to "reset" after a difficult few weeks.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

As any sports psychologist can tell you, it’s a fundamental building block for success.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

Trouble, Jesse often declared, was the building block of character.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz

Related Words

• constituent
• ingredient