build up

British  

verb

1. (tr) to construct gradually, systematically, and in stages

2. to increase, accumulate, or strengthen, esp by degrees

   the murmur built up to a roar

3. (intr) to prepare for or gradually approach a climax

4. (tr) to improve the health or physique of (a person)

5. (tr, usually passive) to cover (an area) with buildings

6. (tr) to cause (a person, enterprise, etc) to become better known; publicize

   they built several actresses up into stars

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noun

1. progressive increase in number, size, etc

   the build-up of industry

2. a gradual approach to a climax or critical point

3. the training and practice that constitutes the preparation for a particular event or competition

   the team's Olympic build-up

4. extravagant publicity or praise, esp in the form of a campaign

5. military the process of attaining the required strength of forces and equipment, esp prior to an operation

build up Idioms  

1. Fill an area with houses or other buildings, urbanize. For example, We want to protect the wetlands against those who want to build up the area . [c. 1400]

2. Gradually develop, increase in stages. For example, I want to build up my endurance for the race . [Early 1700s]

3. Accumulate or collect, as in A lot of rust has built up on the farm machinery . [Mid-1900s]

4. Increase, strengthen, develop toward, as in The sound built up until it was nearly deafening , or His argument was building up to a grand climax . [c. 1930]

5. Establish or enhance a reputation; praise or flatter. For example, Months before the official campaign could begin, they had been building up the senator's image . [c. 1930]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

build up

It is possible to trade the cards and build up in-game "coins" without using real money, but it is generally seen as a slower and less effective way to play.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

If he’s sidelined for too long, he could have to gradually build up with each start.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 22, 2026

They lock in loyalty as customers build up masses of points, hoping to someday cash in on trips to dream destinations like Tahiti and Hawaii.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026

"When endocytosis -- this nutrient uptake and regulation -- goes wrong, then there's protein aggregation that will build up in the brain, which is the hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's."

From Science Daily ● Jul. 15, 2026

I broke branches off trees and bushes to build up my firewood stocks and plucked fresh leaves for my bed, and palm fronds to weave more fan-nets.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Related Words

• add to
• boost
• develop
• enhance
• expand
• fortify
• improve
• increase
• intensify
• promote
• reinforce
• strengthen