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.
If the brain started as a true tabula rasa, with no built-in connections, neurons would first need to locate and connect with one another.
From Science Daily • May 3, 2026
Lucky for the TV world, they can flex built-in advantages over phone- and app-makers.
From Slate • May 3, 2026
There’s also a built-in fee, like a bookmaker’s vigorish or a poker rake.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026
The property is equipped with security and surveillance systems, built-in audio, a Lutron lighting system, and a whole-property backup generator.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 20, 2026
I wonder if he’ll come with me, or if our built-in ending is high school.
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.
