The Open Dictionary

build

noun

UK/bɪld/
US/bɪld/

Definitions of build noun

body

  1. CountableUncountable

    The physical shape and size of a person's body.

    • The suspect had a slender build with short, dark hair.

    • The two athletes have comparable builds, and are skilled in serving and forehand strokes.

    • Despite their differences in build, they are both incredibly agile.

verb

UK/bɪld/
US/bɪld/

Definitions of build verb

  1. A2TransitiveIntransitive

    To create something by joining materials together.

    • They are constructing a new resort by the sea.

    • Engineers are building a bridge across the canyon.

    • They built their house using recycled materials.

  2. Transitive

    To establish or develop something gradually over a period of time.

    • They are working to build a more sustainable economy.

    • We should strive to build a more open and inclusive society.

    • The school aims to build a love of learning in its students.

Idioms

  • Rome wasn't built in a day

    This idiom is used to emphasize that significant achievements or complex tasks require considerable time and effort to accomplish; they cannot be completed quickly.

    • Don't be too impatient with this new project; Rome wasn't built in a day.

  • build bridges

    To establish or improve positive connections and understanding between individuals or groups, often those with differing opinions or backgrounds.

    • By organizing community events, they hope to foster understanding and build bridges among residents from different cultural backgrounds.

Phrasal Verbs of build

  • build around something

    to structure or develop something centered on a particular idea or principle

    • Our business plan is built around sustainability.

  • build on something

    to leverage a success or accomplishment as a foundation for further achievements

    • His first album was a huge success, so he plans to build on that for his second album.

  • build something in/into something

    to incorporate an element as a component within a plan, system, or agreement

    • We built user feedback into the new application to enhance the user experience.

  • build (someone/something) up

    to enhance or augment in size or strength, or to facilitate this process for someone or something

    • Her coach has been building her up, hoping for her to perform well in the competition.

  • build something/someone up

    to commend or exalt something or someone in a manner that shapes people's perceptions, or to boost a person's self-assurance.

    • She always builds him up with compliments about his work, making him feel valued.