built-in

[bilt-in]

adjective

1. built so as to be an integral and permanent part of a larger construction.

   The wall has a built-in bookcase.

2. existing as a natural or characteristic part of something; inherent.

   a built-in contempt for daydreaming.

noun

1. a built-in piece of furniture or appliance.

2. an additional feature or capability, as of a machine or a service.

   a car with power steering, power brakes, and other built-ins.

built-in

adjective

1. made or incorporated as an integral part

   a built-in cupboard

   a built-in escape clause

2. essential; inherent

noun

1. a built-in cupboard or wardrobe

Word History and Origins

Origin of built-in¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The dining area has built-in wall shelves, modern overhead lighting, and room for a large table.

Read more on MarketWatch

There’s a built-in barbecue, a Renato pizza oven, and a relaxing lounge with a fire pit out back.

Read more on MarketWatch

A San José-based tech company that sells roof shingles with built-in solar panels is the latest to announce plans to leave the Golden State for Texas.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"That told us the brain must have a built-in way of prioritizing urgent survival needs over pain, and we wanted to find the neurons responsible for that switch," says Goldstein.

Read more on Science Daily

It is a key part of the body’s built-in mechanism for healing injured tissue.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• deep-seated 
• inherent 
• innate