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.
Power banks are especially vulnerable, because unlike cellphones or laptops, they are often made without built-in protection against fires.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 6, 2026
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
Primary baths feature slabs of marble behind a freestanding tub, radiant floor heating, and a glass-enclosed rain shower with a built-in bench.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026
Soft music plays from some sort of built-in sound system.
From "Warcross" by Marie Lu
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.
