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.
Additionally, the home has a den, built-in storage, curved staircase, outdoor movie pavilion, and 50-foot-long lap pool designed by Johnston Vidal.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 11, 2026
Because these chemicals are part of the body's built-in pain-regulating system, the researchers said the combination of practices used during the retreat could eventually have implications for chronic pain management.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 9, 2026
Publishers are incentivized to work with writers who come with a built-in fan base to market their books.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026
Meta glasses have a built-in LED light which blinks when they are recording images and cannot be turned off.
From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026
Crusty spread his hands proudly over a bed covered with black satin sheets, with built-in Lava Lamps on the headboard.
From "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan
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.
