world-building

world build·ing
Or world·build·ing

[wurld-bil-ding]

noun

1. the process of developing a detailed and plausible fictional world for a novel or story, especially in science fiction, fantasy, and video games.

   Drawing a convincing map with boundaries and landscape features is a natural starting point for world-building.

Other Word Forms

• world-build verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of world-building¹

First recorded in 1820–25, referring to or contrasted with the Biblical creation of the world

Example Sentences

The i paper's Francesca Steele said: "It doesn't quite reach the heights of Part One, but this is still a highly entertaining display of what musical theatre can do on screen with top level performances and a true affection for the world-building."

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So went the prohibition on artificial intelligence in Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel “Dune,” and what was then a datum of fictional world-building is now a real and pressing concern.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Lee’s movies might reflect the world, but he has perfected world-building of his own.

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Though far less posh, “The Conjuring” likewise nailed the world-building aspects of its place and time.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Today’s games also have more cinematic qualities than in the past, with overarching storylines and detailed world-building.

Read more on Los Angeles Times