Build

/bɪld/

verbBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To make or form (something) by putting materials together.

/bɪld/

verbneutralBeginner
General

To construct or create something.

He built a house.

💡 Simply: To put things together to make something.

More Examples

2

She built a career in medicine.

3

They built a snowman.

How It's Used

Construction

"They are building a new skyscraper downtown."

Software Development

"We are building a new mobile application."

2

A structure, such as a house or building.

/bɪld/

nounneutralBeginner
General

The physical structure created; a structure.

The new office building is modern.

💡 Simply: A house or other structure.

More Examples

2

The old building needs repairs.

How It's Used

Architecture

"The building's architecture is quite impressive."

Tip:Think of a tall building.

Idioms & expressions

build up

To increase or develop something gradually.

"She's building up her strength after surgery."

Old English *byldan, from Proto-Germanic *bildan (to build, form), from Proto-Indo-European *bhel- (to swell, bulge). Related to words like 'bilden' in German and 'bouillir' in French.

The word 'build' has consistently referred to construction since Old English, though the types of structures built have evolved over time.

Memory tip

Imagine building blocks – putting pieces together to create something.

bildbulidbuil

Usage

70%Spoken
30%Written