construct

1 of 2

verb

con·​struct kən-ˈstrəkt How to pronounce construct (audio)
constructed; constructing; constructs

transitive verb

1
: to make or form by combining or arranging parts or elements : build
construct a bridge
also : contrive, devise
construct a plan
2
: to draw (a geometrical figure) with suitable instruments and under specified conditions
Construct a regular hexagon with sides 3 inches long.
3
: to set in logical order
constructability noun
or less commonly constructibility
constructable adjective
or constructible
constructor noun

construct

2 of 2

noun

con·​struct ˈkän-ˌstrəkt How to pronounce construct (audio)
1
: something constructed by the mind: such as
a
: a theoretical entity
… the deductive study of abstract constructsDaniel J. Boorstin
b
: a working hypothesis or concept
The unconscious was a construct that came from the daily effort to understand patients.
2
: a product of ideology, history, or social circumstances
Privacy is more than a social construct or an idea; it is a condition of the body.Sallie Tisdale

Examples of construct in a Sentence

Verb They plan to construct a barn behind the house. The author constructs all the stories around one theme. Construct a triangle that has sides of equal length. Noun He argues that time is a subjective construct with no objective existence.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Verb
But Tapestry’s attorneys pushed back on that case, picking apart the economic argument, how it was constructed and maintaining that Coach and Michael Kors face stiff competition from luxury brands above and mass market players below. Evan Clark, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024 This eco-friendly build-your-own playset lets kids—with their parents help—construct a multi-level dwelling, complete with drawbridge and trap door. Pamela Brill, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024
Noun
Luis De Jesus Los Angeles spotlights the artist for a third solo exhibition, this time presenting a new series that questions the social constructs of desire, as well as the cycles and breakdowns of feminine identity. Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024 This applies to simple and complex constructs alike. Mike Waas, Forbes, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for construct 

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Latin constructus, past participle of construere, from com- + struere to build — more at structure

First Known Use

Verb

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1933, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of construct was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near construct

Cite this Entry

“Construct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/construct. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

construct

verb
con·​struct
kən-ˈstrəkt
1
: to make or form by combining or arranging parts : build
2
: to draw (a geometrical figure) with suitable instruments and under given conditions
constructable adjective
or constructible
-ˈstrək-tə-bəl
constructor
-ˈstrək-tər
noun

Medical Definition

construct

noun
con·​struct ˈkän-ˌstrəkt How to pronounce construct (audio)
: something constructed especially by mental synthesis
form a construct of a physical object by mentally assembling and integrating sense-data

More from Merriam-Webster on construct

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