building

[bil-ding]

noun

1. a relatively permanent enclosed construction over a plot of land, having a roof and usually windows and often more than one level, used for any of a wide variety of activities, as living, entertaining, or manufacturing.

2. anything built built or constructed.

3. the act, business, or practice of constructing houses, office buildings, etc.

building

/ ˈbɪldɪŋ /

noun

1. something built with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory

2. the act, business, occupation, or art of building houses, boats, etc

Other Word Forms

• buildingless adjective
• underbuilding noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of building¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, building is from the Middle English word byldinge. See build, -ing ¹

Synonym Study

Building, edifice, structure refer to something built. Building and structure may apply to either a finished or an unfinished product of construction, and carry no implications as to size or condition. Edifice is a more formal word and narrower in application, referring to a completed structure, and usually a large and imposing one. Building generally connotes a useful purpose (houses, schools, business offices, etc.); structure suggests the planning and constructive process.

Example Sentences

In addition to the job cuts, the company said it wanted to decrease investments in its production facilities and buildings as it had seen a "sharp decline in demand" for its products.

From BBC

Via a Middle East investment company, Assets Group, the Qataris are currently building an exclusive, 40-villa luxury resort there, with an upgraded concrete airstrip capable of receiving executive jets, far from prying eyes.

From BBC

In an interview with the Spectator this year, Green said Basis was a private fund set up to "invest in companies that are building where the state is failing".

From BBC

Some patients with serious psychiatric conditions are still sleeping on sofas at a Belfast mental health facility months after serious building problems were discovered there.

From BBC

Niall Gallagher, technical manager at the BPCA, says our growing appetite for fast food, the fact some councils collect rubbish less frequently, as well as road and building works disturbing the sewer network, all contribute.

From BBC

Related Words

• architecture 
• construction 
• home 
• house 
• hut