build
verb (used with object)
to construct (especially something complex) by assembling and joining parts or materials.
had been building
-
past perfect progressiveof build.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
It looks as if the British farmers who had been building Stonehenge over the preceding centuries all but disappeared – again, for reasons which remain unclear.
From Science Daily ● May 30, 2026
CEO Robert Davis asserted earlier this year that the company had been building a “patent wall” to cover new indications and drug combinations, with some patents extended to 2029.
From Barron's ● May 22, 2026
One guide who was on Mount Dukono with two clients at the time of the eruption told BBC Indonesian that he believed high pressure had been building up inside the volcano for several days.
From BBC ● May 8, 2026
This arc with Jimmy over the three seasons had been building up to Jimmy finally saying the actual thing, which is some version of, “Who’s gonna want me now?”
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2026
She let loose a sob that had been building in her chest.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
