buildup

1 of 2

noun

build·​up ˈbild-ˌəp How to pronounce buildup (audio)
1
: something produced by building up
fluid buildup in the lungs
2
: the act or process of building up

build up

2 of 2

verb

built up; building up; builds up

transitive verb

1
: to develop gradually by increments
building up endurance
built up a library
2
: to promote the health, strength, esteem, or reputation of

intransitive verb

: to accumulate or develop appreciably
builder-upper noun

Examples of buildup in a Sentence

Noun There is a big traffic buildup on the highway. You should clean the mechanism regularly to prevent buildup of dirt. Both players were given big buildups before the game. Verb static electricity built up on the cat's fur the roller coaster built up momentum
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Eventually, a buildup of carbon dioxide from volcanic outgassing may have warmed the planet again. Liam Courtney-Davies, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024 The company used $0.1 million in cash flow from operations during the third quarter of 2024, primarily due to a buildup of inventory resulting from unfavorable product pricing and limited export opportunities. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
Teams see other benefits in building up their streaming presence. Matt Craig, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Button Sweater $70 $42 American Eagle Courtesy of brand Offline by Aerie Warmup Pocket Leggings $60 $36 Aerie Zara Black Friday Deals Another retailer that rarely holds online sales, Zara is building up excitement for the big day with a wide array of new discounts on trendy basics. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 19 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for buildup 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of buildup was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near buildup

Cite this Entry

“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buildup. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

buildup

noun
build·​up ˈbil-ˌdəp How to pronounce buildup (audio)
1
: something produced by building up
2
: the act or process of building up
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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