n.
Pronunciation: ' bild
Function: verb
Inflected Form: built \ ' bilt \ ; build · ing
Etymology: Middle English bilden, from Old English byldan; akin to Old English b ū an to dwell ― more at BOWER
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1 : to form by ordering and uniting materials by gradual means into a composite whole : CONSTRUCT
2 : to cause to be constructed
3 : to develop according to a systematic plan, by a definite process, or on a particular base
4 : INCREASE , ENLARGE
intransitive verb
1 : to engage in building
2 a : to progress toward a peak (as of intensity) < build to a climax> b : to develop in extent <a crowd build ing >
– build a fire under : to stimulate to vigorous action
– build into : to make an integral part of < build quality into the product>
– build on : to use as a foundation < building on past experience>