built-in
Americanadjective
-
built so as to be an integral and permanent part of a larger construction.
The wall has a built-in bookcase.
-
existing as a natural or characteristic part of something; inherent.
a built-in contempt for daydreaming.
noun
-
a built-in piece of furniture or appliance.
-
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
-
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.
Tumor suppressor genes are often viewed as the body's built-in defense system against cancer.
From Science Daily • Jun. 20, 2026
“This potentially triggers immediate tax on built-in gains in stock, business interests, real estate or other appreciated property.”
From MarketWatch • Jun. 17, 2026
“Bans risk isolating teens from online communities and information, and driving them to unregulated alternatives that lack built-in protections and parental controls,” Meta said.
From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026
Arcade builds MCP servers for business systems with a built-in, standardized approach to agent authorization, policy enforcement and audits.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 15, 2026
“So you’re saying I may have reached my built-in ending to writing.”
From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven
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.
