Definition of build

Short definition: The word build means to make or create something by putting parts together, such as a house, a plan, or a relationship. People use it to describe both physical construction and gradual progress over time.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word build? The word build is not only about making houses or bridges, the word build is also about creating ideas, shaping habits, developing skills, and growing relationships. In daily life, build appears when we talk about progress, effort, and patience, because most meaningful things in life are not made instantly, they are built step by step. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, real-life way, with longer definitions that feel natural rather than stiff or overly “dictionary-like.”

Verb forms: build, builds, building, built
Related: builder n., building n., built-up adj.
Syllable: build

1. To make something physical by putting parts together, such as houses, roads, or machines.

   When you build something in this sense, you are creating a real, physical object by carefully joining different materials—like wood, metal, stone, or concrete— until they become something useful and complete. It is not just about the final result, but also about the process: planning, measuring, fixing mistakes, and slowly seeing an idea turn into something you can actually touch and use.

   They decided to build their own house instead of buying one, spending weekends laying bricks and painting walls until the place finally felt like home.
   The city plans to build a new bridge, hoping it will reduce traffic and make daily travel easier for thousands of people.
   He learned how to build simple furniture from online videos, turning old wooden boards into shelves and tables for his small apartment.

   Synonyms: construct, make, assemble, create, put together, erect, form, set up, manufacture, produce, raise, fabricate
   Antonyms: destroy, demolish, tear down, dismantle, ruin, break apart, knock down, wreck, flatten, disassemble, collapse, remove

2. To develop something slowly over time, such as a habit, skill, or relationship.

   In everyday life, build is often used to talk about things that cannot be rushed— like confidence, trust, discipline, or friendship. In this sense, to build means to grow something little by little through repeated effort, small decisions, and consistent actions, until it becomes strong enough to support you in the long run.

   She worked hard to build her confidence in public speaking, starting with small presentations before slowly moving on to larger audiences.
   Over the years, they built a strong friendship, one honest conversation and shared experience at a time.
   He is trying to build better habits, such as waking up earlier and exercising regularly, so his days feel more productive.

   Synonyms: develop, grow, strengthen, form, cultivate, establish, improve, nurture, shape, reinforce, expand, foster
   Antonyms: weaken, neglect, damage, ruin, undermine, harm, break down, destroy trust, lose progress, spoil, erode, abandon

3. To create or organize something abstract, such as a system, plan, or business.

   When we say someone builds a business, a team, or even a future, we are talking about the act of carefully putting ideas, people, and resources together so that everything works as one. This kind of building is less about tools and more about vision—seeing what could exist and patiently turning that vision into reality.

   She hopes to build her own company one day, starting small but dreaming big about what it might become.
   The manager focused on building a strong team culture, where everyone felt respected and motivated to do their best.
   They are trying to build a clear plan for the future, so every decision today supports their long-term goals.

   Synonyms: establish, create, organize, set up, develop, found, shape, structure, form, design, put in place, launch
   Antonyms: dismantle, disorganize, shut down, abandon, cancel, dissolve, break apart, mismanage, neglect planning, destroy structure, disband, scrap

4. To increase or grow something, especially feelings, pressure, or tension.

   Sometimes build is used to describe how something slowly grows inside us or around us—like excitement before a big event, stress before a deadline, or tension during a difficult conversation. In this sense, to build means that something is gradually becoming stronger or more intense over time.

   Excitement began to build as the concert day got closer, and everyone talked about it nonstop.
   Pressure started to build at work, especially when deadlines kept coming faster than expected.
   Anger slowly built inside him, until he finally decided it was better to talk things out calmly.

   Synonyms: increase, grow, rise, intensify, mount, accumulate, gather, swell, strengthen, escalate, develop pressure, heighten
   Antonyms: fade, decrease, calm down, ease, relax, reduce, lessen, subside, cool off, settle, weaken, diminish

5. (Noun) The shape or body type of a person.

   As a noun, build describes how someone’s body looks in general— whether they are slim, athletic, strong, or broad-shouldered. It is a polite and neutral way to talk about physical appearance, often focusing more on overall shape than on specific details.

   He has a strong build from years of working in construction, which makes heavy tasks look easier than they really are.
   Despite her small build, she surprises everyone with how much energy and determination she has.
   The actor’s athletic build suited the role perfectly, especially in scenes that required a lot of physical movement.

   Synonyms: body type, physique, frame, figure, body shape, structure, form, build-up, stature, constitution, physical form, bodily frame
   Antonyms: weakness, frailty, thin frame, poor physique, lack of strength, feeble body, slight frame, fragile build, underdeveloped body, weak structure, soft frame, delicate body