What does "build" mean?
The physique of a human or animal body, or other object; constitution or structure.
Build
/bɪld/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The physique of a human or animal body, or other object; constitution or structure.
- Grammar: build is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: frame, make, physique, add to.
- Useful contrasts: active tearing, unerect, axes.
- Usage evidence: You must build up your courage.
How to use "build"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "build" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "build" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "build" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "build" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "build" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "frame" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "build", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The physique of a human or animal body, or other object; constitution or structure. countable, uncountable
"Rugby players are of sturdy build."
- 2 constitution of the human body wordnet
- 3 Any of various versions of a software product as it is being developed for release to users. countable
"The computer company has introduced a new prototype build to beta testers."
- 4 alternative names for the body of a human being wordnet
- 5 The process or period of constructing a physical object. countable
"This new Lego set was a very nice build."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A structure, such as a building, statue, pool or forest created by the player. countable, slang
"I made a build that looked like the Parthenon in that game."
- 7 A configuration of a character's items or skills created by the player. countable, slang
"I made a build centered around attack speed."
Verb
- 1 To form (something) by combining materials or parts. transitive
"It was a bridge ybuilt in goodly wize, / With curious Corbes and pendants grauen faire, [...]"
- 2 develop and grow wordnet
- 3 To develop or give form to (something) according to a plan or process. transitive
"The dirty secret of the internet is that all this distraction and interruption is immensely profitable. Web companies like to boast about […], or offering services that let you [...] "share the things you love with the world" and so on. But the real way to build a successful online business is to be better than your rivals at undermining people's control of their own attention."
- 4 form or accumulate steadily wordnet
- 5 To increase or strengthen (something) by adding gradually to. transitive
"Since the launch early last year of […] two Silicon Valley start-ups offering free education through MOOCs, massive open online courses, the ivory towers of academia have been shaken to their foundations. University brands built in some cases over centuries have been forced to contemplate the possibility that information technology will rapidly make their existing business model obsolete."
Show 13 more definitions
- 6 bolster or strengthen wordnet
- 7 To establish a basis for (something). transitive
- 8 improve the cleansing action of wordnet
- 9 To form by combining materials or parts. intransitive
- 10 found or ground wordnet
- 11 To develop in magnitude or extent. intransitive
- 12 make by combining materials and parts wordnet
- 13 To construct (software) by compiling its source code. transitive
- 14 build or establish something abstract wordnet
- 15 To be converted into software by compilation, usually with minimal human intervention. intransitive
"This code won’t build any more. Have you made any changes?"
- 16 be engaged in building wordnet
- 17 give form to, according to a plan wordnet
- 18 order, supervise, or finance the construction of wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"You must build up your courage."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "build"?
Common synonyms include: frame, make, physique, add to, aesthetic form, aggrandize.
How do you use "build" in a sentence?
You must build up your courage.
How do you pronounce "build"?
Pronounced /bɪld/.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-West Germanic *buþlijan Old English bytlan Middle English bylden English build From Middle English bilden, bulden, bylden, from Old English byldan and bytlan, bytlian (“to build”), from Proto-West Germanic *buþlijan (“to build”), from Proto-Germanic *buþlą, *bōþlą (“house, dwelling, farm”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰuH- (“to become, grow, thrive, be, live, dwell”). Related to Old English botl (“building, house”). More at bottle.