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
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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.
Instead of simply shutting down a cancer-promoting protein, the scientists designed a small molecule that connects it to another protein capable of activating the cell's built-in death program.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 8, 2026
The front hallway leads to a family room, where intricate built-in shelving surrounds a grand fireplace—one of four in the home.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026
OpenAI announced ChatGPT for Teens in August, promising “stronger built-in safety protections” for users under 18, including limits on discussions around suicide, eating disorders, violence and sexual content.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 7, 2026
Meta says the feature has a range of built-in protections, including for younger users with Teen Accounts, including preventing screenshots, reshares or forwarding of Instants.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
Most of the classrooms had hundred-year-old built-in cupboards and drawers and bookshelves, and it was awkward explaining why they had to look into those to measure the room.
From "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
