buildup

American  

[bild-uhp] / ˈbɪldˌʌp /

Or build-up

noun

1. a building up, as of military forces; increase in amount or number.

2. a process of growth; strengthening; development.

   the buildup of heavy industry.

3. an accumulation, as of a particular type of material.

   a buildup of salt deposits.

4. an increase, as in potential, intensity, or pressure.

   A buildup of suspense began halfway through the movie.

5. a progressive or sequential development.

   the buildup of helium atoms from hydrogen.

6. praise or publicity designed to enhance a reputation or popularize someone or something.

   The studio spent $100,000 on the new star's buildup.

7. a process of preparation designed to make possible the achievement of an ultimate objective.

   a lengthy buildup to a sales pitch.

8. encouragement; a psychological lift.

   Every time I need a buildup, I look at her picture.

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Etymology

Origin of buildup

1925–30, noun use of verb phrase build up

Explanation

The slow growth or increase of something is a buildup. Over the course of a winter storm, there will be a buildup of snow on the car that's parked in your driveway. The process of something collecting or growing is a buildup, and so is its result. As you buy more and more things with a credit card, you'll see a buildup of debt. And If you venture into your uncle's spooky attic where no one's dared to go for years, there's bound to be a buildup of dust on every surface. Buildup has also come to mean "increasing excitement, preparation, or publicity," like the buildup before Christmas at the mall.

Example Sentences

Even so, the findings provide strong early evidence that simple nutritional or pharmacological approaches may help reduce amyloid buildup and improve brain function.

From Science Daily • May 4, 2026

Signs pointed to another U.S. military buildup in the region this week that could portend a fresh round of fighting.

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

A major focus in Alzheimer's research has been the buildup of plaque in the brain.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2026

That buildup, the largest-ever increase in U.S. peacetime military spending, played a significant role in ending the Cold War.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

She couldn’t have imagined the likes of an electric range, or a land where women concerned themselves with something called waxy yellow buildup.

From "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver

Related Words

• enlargement
• escalation
• expansion
• growth
• stockpile