build
verb (used with object)
to construct (especially something complex) by assembling and joining parts or materials.
have been building
-
present perfect progressiveof build.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Tensions have been building in the community since the fire broke out on June 17 and burned for days.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026
Speculators have been building up bullish dollar bets in the futures market for weeks — long before President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he believed an interim deal to end hostilities with Iran was “over.”
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 8, 2026
Developers have been building "GTA VI" for more than six years.
From Barron's ● Jun. 24, 2026
City have been building a squad they believe are capable of competing with the best in the Champions League next season, adding established USA international Sam Coffey in the January transfer window.
From BBC ● May 6, 2026
We talked about how the little coral animals might have been building the foundations of the cay for thousands of years.
From "The Cay" by Theodore Taylor
