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

Categories coming through the East and Gulf Coast ports in a big way are apparel, footwear, consumer electronics, home goods, perishables, frozen food, toys, construction vehicles home building and repair equipment and materials, according to Gold. —David Moin, WWD, 2 Oct. 2024

The future of Hudson Middle is riddled with uncertainty as the school's enrollment pushes up against the capacity of its temporary location — while construction of a new permanent home is still years from being finished. —Krista Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 2 Oct. 2024

Take a step back in time to see what the pivotal decade looked like in the Grand Canyon State, including a visit from Theodore Roosevelt, early scenes of downtown Phoenix, and the construction of historic hotels. —Shelby Slade, The Arizona Republic, 2 Oct. 2024

Though construction on the community is not slated for completion until 2026, the first phase of townhomes has already hit the market, with prices starting at $6.9 million. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2024

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

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