English Reference

Word

build

US/ˈbɪɫd/

UK/bˈɪld/

Irregular verb

Forms

Infinitive

build

Past

built

Past participle

built

Definitions

01to construct

A1 · Beginner

v. to make something by putting parts or materials together.

v. to construct a physical structure by combining materials or components.

“They are going to build a new library in the center of town.”

“The developers plan to build a sustainable residential complex using recycled materials and energy-efficient technologies.”

Usage

Often used with 'out of' or 'from' to describe materials.

Antonyms

02to develop or increase

B1 · Intermediate

v. to make something stronger or bigger over time.

v. to increase or strengthen something through a gradual process of addition or development.

“You need to exercise regularly to build your muscles.”

“The startup worked hard to build a loyal customer base before expanding into international markets.”

Usage

Commonly used with abstract nouns like 'reputation', 'confidence', or 'momentum'.

Antonyms

03to create software

B2 · Upper Intermediate Computing Technical

v. to turn computer code into a working program.

v. to convert source code into a standalone software artefact that can be run on a computer.

“The team needs to build the latest version of the app before testing it.”

“Automated scripts build the project every night to ensure that new code changes do not break the existing functionality.”

Synonyms

04body shape

B1 · Intermediate Countable noun

n. the size and shape of a person's body.

n. the physical proportions or constitution of a human body.

“The suspect was described as a tall man with a slim build.”

“His athletic build made him a natural choice for the rowing team, as he possessed both the reach and the power required.”

05software version

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Computing Technical

n. a specific version of a computer program while it is being made.

n. a particular version of a software product, often identified by a number, produced during the development cycle.

“We are currently testing the alpha build of the new game.”

“The developers released a stable build to the public after fixing the critical bugs found in the previous beta version.”

06gaming character setup

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Slang · Informal

n. the specific set of skills and items you choose for a character in a video game.

n. the specific combination of equipment, statistics, and abilities chosen for a player character in a role-playing or strategy game.

“I am trying a new build that focuses on speed rather than strength.”

“The community forums are full of players debating the most effective build for defeating the final boss on the hardest difficulty.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “build” in context.

01. build knowledge 02. build model 03. build relationship 04. build theory

Real-World Examples

“It's not easy to find an affordable place to live in the capital so building your own home might seem appealing if you are struggling to get on the housing ladder or keep up with the rent.”
BBC News 1 Oct 2026

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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Word family

VERB

build(A1)

PHRASAL VERB

Related words

Idioms

Domain

Computing

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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English Reference