English Reference

Word

builder

US/ˈbɪɫdɝ/

UK/bˈɪldɐ/

Definitions

01construction worker

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. a person whose job is to build or repair houses and buildings.

n. a person who constructs, repairs, or renovates buildings as a profession.

“The builder said the new roof would be finished by the end of the week.”

“The lead builder coordinated with the electricians and plumbers to ensure the renovation remained on schedule despite the unexpected structural issues.”

Antonyms

demolisher

02software tool

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Computing

n. a computer program that helps you create something, like a website or an app.

n. a software application or interface designed to facilitate the creation of specific digital outputs, often through automation or templates.

“I used a simple website builder to launch my online store in one afternoon.”

“The integrated page builder allows marketing teams to deploy landing pages without requiring direct assistance from the development department.”

03bodybuilder

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Informal

n. a short way of saying bodybuilder, someone who exercises to grow large muscles.

n. a shortened form of bodybuilder, referring to an individual who engages in intensive physical training to develop muscular hypertrophy.

“He spends four hours at the gym every day because he wants to be a professional builder.”

“The local gym is popular with competitive builders who appreciate the specialised heavy-lifting equipment available in the basement.”

Synonyms

bodybuilderweightlifter

04creator of something abstract

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. someone who starts or develops an idea, a business, or a reputation.

n. an individual who establishes or develops a non-physical entity, such as a brand, relationship, or legacy.

“She is known as a builder of strong communities in the city.”

“As a builder of international alliances, the diplomat spent decades fostering trust between nations that had previously been at odds.”

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-West Germanic *buþlijan Old English bytlan Middle English bylden Latin -ariusbor. Proto-Germanic *-ārijaz Proto-West Germanic *-ārī Old English -ere Middle English -ere Middle English byldere English builder From Middle English byldere, buyldere, from bylden + -er. By surface analysis, build + -er. Compare Old English bylda, bytla (“hammerer, builder”).

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

Word family

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Frequent
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

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English Reference