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
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.
Verb
In addition to candidates, Sunnyvale voters also cast ballots on whether to allow the city to issue general obligation bonds of up to $290 million to construct a new public library. Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2024 Question 3: Part two of the city’s bond series included an ask to issue $170 million of debt to construct and renovate parks, build a new recreational facility and aquatic center, and renovate the i.d.e.a. Museum, among other projects. Maritza Dominguez, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
The sense of unease and horror in this series often hinges on a supernatural construct but comes from something relatable. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2024 Quantum computers are not just theoretical constructs, but real machines that have the potential to destabilize a bank’s entire business. Michael Abbott, Forbes, 30 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 25 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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