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.
-
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.
-
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.
The only difference between these guys and a regular cleaner is they have built-in cameras attached to their caps, connected via a lead to their mobile phones.
From BBC • Jun. 20, 2026
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
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
God, there was even a built-in change purse, I see now, and an umbrella holder made of mesh.
From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle
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.
