construction

noun

con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən 

1

: the act or result of construing, interpreting, or explaining

2

a

: the process, art, or manner of constructing something

Construction of the new bridge will begin in the spring.

also : a thing constructed

b

: the construction industry

working in construction

3

: the arrangement and connection of words or groups of words in a sentence : syntactical arrangement

That verb is often used in passive constructions.

4

: a sculpture that is put together out of separate pieces of often disparate materials

constructional

kən-ˈstrək-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

constructionally adverb

Synonyms

• erection
• structure

Examples of construction in a Sentence

Construction of the new bridge will begin in the spring.

Construction on the bridge will occur daily from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

Note the similar construction of the buildings.

Some people think it is wrong to end a sentence with a preposition, but the construction is quite common in English.

That verb is commonly used in passive constructions.

This word is used in positive constructions.

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, in Idaho, one-third of unauthorized workers were employed in agriculture in 2021, with the rest working in construction, manufacturing, professional services, and leisure and hospitality, according to the report. —Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 1 Mar. 2025

The slight distortions of bodily forms and spatial construction do not push Newgate—Exercise Yard into the realm of fantasy, but rather are tools to buttress the overarching sense of monotony and drudgery. —Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025

While the terms of Gilgeous-Alexander’s summer supermax should be straightforward because the collective bargaining agreement has predetermined contract terms for such deals, the 6-foot-6 guard could run into challenges down the line, such as front office politics or roster construction concerns. —Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 1 Mar. 2025

Governor Gianforte signed into law a series of bills in 2023 that preempt local zoning restrictions blocking the construction of new housing in Montana. —Patrick Gleason, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see construct entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing construction

• construction paper
• in construction
• pre-construction
• under construction

Rhymes for construction

• abduction
• adduction
• conduction
• deduction
• destruction
• eduction
• induction
• instruction
• obstruction
• production
• reduction
• seduction

Kids Definition

construction

noun

con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən 

1

: interpretation sense 1

strict construction of the law

2

: the process, art, or manner of constructing

3

: something built or put together : structure

4

: the arrangement and connection of words or groups of words in a sentence

Legal Definition

construction

noun

con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən 

: the act or result of construing, interpreting, or explaining meaning or effect (as of a statute or contract)

the construction placed upon an agreement

—J. D. Calamari and J. M. Perillo