buildup

1 of 2

noun

build·​up ˈbild-ˌəp How to pronounce buildup (audio)
Synonyms of buildupnext
1
: something produced by building up
fluid buildup in the lungs
2
: the act or process of building up

build up

2 of 2

verb

built up; building up; builds up

transitive verb

1
: to develop gradually by increments
building up endurance
built up a library
2
: to promote the health, strength, esteem, or reputation of

intransitive verb

: to accumulate or develop appreciably
builder-upper
ˈbil-dər-ˈə-pər How to pronounce build up (audio)
noun

Synonyms

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
Noun
This prevents them from clinging to surfaces and causing scale buildup, allowing the minerals to remain soluble in the water. — Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Mar. 2025 Russia’s Military Losses Mount Europe’s military buildup comes at a time when Russia’s ability to stay in the fight is increasingly being questioned. — Frank Holmes, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way. — Ca Weather Bot, Sacramento Bee, 3 Mar. 2025 In Season 2, the tension between the two couples had already built up quite a bit as well. — Erik Kain, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for buildup

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of buildup was in 1555

Rhymes for buildup

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Browse Nearby Words

buildup
build up
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Cite this Entry

“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buildup. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

buildup

noun
build·​up ˈbil-ˌdəp How to pronounce buildup (audio)
1
: something produced by building up
2
: the act or process of building up
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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