1
: something produced by building up
fluid buildup in the lungs
2
: the act or process of building up
built up; building up; builds up
1
: to develop gradually by increments
building up endurance
built up a library
2
: to promote the health, strength, esteem, or reputation of
: to accumulate or develop appreciably
Synonyms
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
Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024
If the government falls behind, the buildup of damage from extreme storms can leave officials with no choice but to tear down the whole pier.
—Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 31 Dec. 2024
Best moment Ivan Toney’s return from an eight-month suspension for breaching the Football Association’s betting rules had been built up as a huge moment.
—Jay Harris, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for buildup 
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Noun
Unless the buildup is heavy, using the cloth alone without any glass cleaner will do an amazing job.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024
If the government falls behind, the buildup of damage from extreme storms can leave officials with no choice but to tear down the whole pier.
—Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
Verb
Issues important to Whitaker include building up Eastern Kentucky infrastructure, fighting for lower taxes and protecting constitutional rights.
—Hannah Pinski, The Courier-Journal, 31 Dec. 2024
Best moment Ivan Toney’s return from an eight-month suspension for breaching the Football Association’s betting rules had been built up as a huge moment.
—Jay Harris, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for buildup
Dictionary Entries Near buildup
Cite this Entry
“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buildup. Accessed 8 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
buildup
noun
build·up
ˈbil-ˌdəp 
1
: something produced by building up
2
: the act or process of building up
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