Build | Mean of build in English Dictionary

/ˈbɪld/

• Verb
• to make (something) by putting together parts or materials
1. The house is built (out) of brick/logs.
2. The bridge was built in the 1890s.
3. The planes were built in Germany.
4. The organization helps build houses for poor families.
5. building more powerful machines/computers/weapons
6. A family of birds has built a nest on our roof.
7. She started building a fire in the fireplace.
8. He built a model airplane from a kit.
9. He built a dollhouse for the children. = He built the children a dollhouse.
10. You will need permission to build on your property.
• to develop or form (something) gradually
1. I've started building a collection of rare books. [=I've started collecting rare books]
2. They built the organization from scratch. = They built the organization from the ground/bottom up.
3. They are building a legal case against the tobacco industry.
4. scientists building theories about how the universe began
5. At college, you'll build friendships that will last a lifetime.
6. She built a successful career in advertising.
7. He has built a reputation as a talented artist.
8. building a more peaceful world [=making the world more peaceful]
9. Building up a successful business can take many years.
10. She has built up a large collection of awards.
11. We've been building up a savings account.
• to increase the amount of (something)
1. Lifting weights helps build muscle and increase strength.
2. These programs are designed to help build confidence in young women.
3. The advertisements are aimed at building support for political candidates.
4. They thought the army would build character in their son. [=would make their son become a better person]
5. She runs a little farther every day to build up (her) endurance.
6. building up momentum/stamina/energy
7. He's been trying to build up the courage/confidence to talk to her.
8. These exercises will help you build up your strength.

• to grow or increase to a high point, level, number, etc.
1. The excitement was beginning to build before the game.
2. A crowd was building around the accident.
3. The story slowly builds to a climax. [=the story slowly reaches a climax]
4. Chemicals in the lake are building to dangerous levels.
5. As the water temperature rises, the pressure inside the pot begins to build up.
6. Their passion/anger/fear/hatred has been building up for years.
• to develop or organize (something) by using (something, such as an idea) as its main or central part
1. We built our program around the idea that people need love and support.
2. Their lives are built around their children. [=their children are the most important things in their lives]
3. The textbook builds lessons around grammar topics.
• to make (something) a part of (something else)
1. Carmakers are beginning to build in these new safety features as standard equipment. = Carmakers are building these new safety features into new cars as standard equipment.
2. We've built bookshelves into the wall.
3. These ideas are built into the program/system/design.
4. There are special provisions for bonuses built into the contract.
• to use (something that has been done in the past) as a basis for further work, development, etc.
1. Each president builds on/upon the success of each past president.
2. These classes will help students build on what they already know.
3. building upon past experiences/successes
• to develop or create (something) by using (something else) as its basis
1. He built [=based] his theory on recent studies.
2. She has built her reputation as a talented artist on the strength of her earlier paintings.
3. Their theory is built upon her research.
• to add (a new room) to a structure that already exists
1. They built a new garage onto their house.
2. They built onto their house.
• to increase gradually in amount as time passes
1. They pick up the garbage that builds up [=collects] along the highway.
2. Dust has begun building up on his piano.
3. These dangerous chemicals are building up in our lakes and ponds.
• to say many good things about (something or someone)
1. Political candidates are trying to build themselves up [=promote themselves] with public speeches and TV commercials.
2. The movie was built up so much [=we heard so many good things about the movie] that we were disappointed when we actually saw it.
• Noun
• the shape and size of a person's body
1. people with thin/slender/slight builds
2. He has a strong, muscular build. [=physique]
3. He is strong and muscular in build.
4. a man of average build