built-in
Americanadjective
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built so as to be an integral and permanent part of a larger construction.
The wall has a built-in bookcase.
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existing as a natural or characteristic part of something; inherent.
a built-in contempt for daydreaming.
noun
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a built-in piece of furniture or appliance.
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an additional feature or capability, as of a machine or a service.
a car with power steering, power brakes, and other built-ins.
adjective
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made or incorporated as an integral part
a built-in cupboard
a built-in escape clause
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essential; inherent
noun
Etymology
Origin of built-in
First recorded in 1895–1900
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
No expense was spared on the design of the home, which was originally built in 2005, with the listing calling special attention to the high-end materials used throughout.
From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026
However, Smith said she is leading the charge to get a pipeline built in the hope that a deal with Ottawa would persuade private-sector investors to step up and take over.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026
Fen Cottage at Wicken Fen, in Cambridgeshire, was built in roughly 1700 and is one of the last surviving homes of the ancient fen dwellers.
From BBC • May 13, 2026
It was built in 1981 and began pumping crude in 1983, according to the U.S.
From Los Angeles Times • May 11, 2026
Slowly the great siege-towers built in Osgiliath rolled forward through the dark.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
