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
Meanwhile, Newman has a sizeable lead already built up irrespective of his results in the last two events and seems impossible to catch. Prediction: Garnett claims the 16th spot and Ignatowich/Loong miss out. Todd Boss, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 For example, the whitening agent titanium dioxide in soups and dairy products can build up in the body and even damage DNA. European countries take a much more precautionary approach to additives in their food, Benesh says. Jonquilyn Hill, Vox, 5 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 22 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!