26984 words

build

23 definitions • 45 examples
1
to make something by putting bricks or other materials together:

Examples:

build a house They're building new houses by the river.
The birds built their nest in the tree.
be built of These old houses are built (= made) of stone.
Contractors have started building on waste land near the town.
2
to create and develop something over a period of time:

Examples:

build a relationship The best way to retain clients is to build long-term relationships rather than just trying make money fast.
build a reputation She has built a reputation as a trusted diplomat.
build a business They built the business slowly, over a period of 15 years.
We want to build a better future for our children.
We are proud of the new life we have built here.
3
to create or complete something by putting different things together or by following a process:

Examples:

What is the key to success when building a website?
First build your order by choosing a meat or vegetarian filling, salad toppings, and sauces, then click "Go".
4

Examples:

Tensions had built for days after the neo-Nazi group had announced it would march through the streets.
5
the size and shape of a person's body:

Examples:

slim build The suspect was of slim build with short, dark hair.
The two players have similar builds, and both have strong serves and forehands.
6
the way a product such as a vehicle or piece of equipment has been made, including qualities such as how strong it seems and how it looks:

Examples:

The router is worth every penny thanks to its stellar performance, solid build, and many useful features.
build quality This car impresses with good build quality, a great chassis, and a powerful engine.
7
a version of a piece of software, a computer game, a website, etc.:

Examples:

The operating system has a few problems, but a new build is on the way.
8
the process of creating a version of a piece of software, etc.:

Examples:

This allows you to understand any changes that might have been made to your app during the build.
On systems with very few processes available, this can cause errors during build.
9
a building that has recently been built or is in the process of being built:

Examples:

new build The house is attractive and has all the modern services one would expect from a new build.
The institution is a modern build.
10
the process of putting up a new building:

Examples:

She lived with her parents during the build.
11
a gradual increase in excitement, emotion, etc. in something such as a story or piece of music:

Examples:

The story lacked action for me, though I'm sure those that prefer a slow build would love it.
12
to make a structure or something else by putting materials together in a particular way:

Examples:

[ T ] Without a plan, you can’t build a house.
[ T ] Some owls had built a nest in the chimney.
[ I ] We decided to build on high ground, above the river.
13
to develop something:

Examples:

They were able to build a family business.
She was building a reputation as a designer.
14
the particular form of someone’s body:

Examples:

He was short, with a muscular build.
15
to make a building or other structure by putting different parts or materials together:

Examples:

New offices were built downtown to house the company's headquarters.
The city plans to build three new parking structures next to the airport.
build cars/planes/machinery, etc.
16
to create something from a collection of ideas, plans, information, people, etc.:

Examples:

17
to develop something gradually so that it becomes larger, more powerful, more successful, etc.:

Examples:

build up a career/business/brand He moved to London where he built up a successful career in journalism.
19
to collect facts and information in order to prove in a court of law that someone is guilty or not guilty:

Examples:

build a case for/against sb Investigators are working to build a case against the three suspects.
20
if a company is built to flip, the owner plans to sell it soon after creating it in order to make a profit quickly:

Examples:

Some companies are built to flip, so there is hardly any investment in research and development.
21
if something is built to last, it is made, designed, or planned so well that it continues to exist or stay successful for a very long time:

Examples:

Our products are built to last and come with a lifetime guarantee.
22
a computer program that is being developed:

Examples:

Developers are testing the latest build for errors.
23
a building that is being built or that has recently been built:

Examples:

To say that we can get every build in the biggest school building project right first time is not realistic.
Prices for new builds fell 3%.

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