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

Example Sentences

This month, the zoo announced Tina was suffering from an infection and abnormal buildup of fluid in her uterus.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2026

China’s unprecedented military buildup demonstrates the military maxim that quantity has a quality all its own.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The strategists first examine the reason for the buildup in cash.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Strategists at JPMorgan find the current buildup of cash by investors is nowhere near that which was seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

“I’m releasing him tomorrow. But I just wanted to make you aware that your son has significant scar tissue buildup in his frontal lobe.”

From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin

Related Words

• enlargement
• escalation
• expansion
• growth
• stockpile