# builders

/ˈbɪɫdɝz/ (US) · /bˈɪldəz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/builders
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. construction workers

noun · CEFR A2

people who build or repair houses and other structures.

For teachers: plural of builder; individuals whose occupation involves the construction or repair of buildings.

- The builders arrived early this morning to start working on the new roof.
- The builders were forced to halt construction when they discovered that the original foundations were significantly weaker than the blueprints suggested.

### 2. strong tea

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal

a strong, inexpensive cup of black tea with milk and often sugar.

For teachers: an abbreviation for 'builders' tea'; a strong, inexpensive variety of black tea typically served with milk.

- I'm exhausted; I really need a proper mug of builders.
- After a long morning in the cold, the crew sat down for a quick break and a round of builders to warm up.

Usage: Usually uncountable when referring to the drink itself.

Teaching tip: This is a very common British colloquialism; it implies the tea is strong and functional rather than fancy or delicate.

## Examples

- The builders are working on the new house today.
- We had to hire a team of builders to fix the roof after the storm caused significant damage.
- The project was delayed for several months because the builders discovered structural weaknesses in the original foundation that required immediate and costly reinforcement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.