English Reference
noun

building

n.
US /ˈbɪɫdɪŋ/ UK /bˈɪldɪŋ/ build·ing UK spelling buildings

  1. 01 A1 Beginner

    a structure with walls and a roof, such as a house, school, or office.

    a permanent or semi-permanent structure with a roof and walls, intended for habitation, storage, or commercial activity.

    Simple

    The tallest building in the city is visible from miles away.

    In context

    The historic building underwent extensive renovations to ensure its structural integrity while preserving its original facade.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    the act or business of making houses, bridges, or other structures.

    the act, process, or occupation of constructing something. Uncountable in this sense.

    Simple

    Building work on the new hospital will start next month.

    In context

    The rapid building of the temporary shelters was essential for housing the displaced families before the winter storms arrived.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Math

    a special type of shape or structure used in advanced geometry.

    a combinatorial structure that generalizes certain aspects of flag complexes in geometry and group theory.

    Simple

    The professor explained how a building helps us understand complex groups.

    In context

    In his lecture on algebraic groups, the mathematician demonstrated how the geometry of a building provides a visual framework for understanding group actions.

    tits building

Usage building blocks · building new · building block


Etymology 1

From Middle English byldynge, buyldyng, byldyng, buldynge, buldyng, boldyng, equivalent to build + -ing. Compare also related Middle English bold (“edifice, castle, mansion”), from Old English bold (“building, dwelling, house”).

Etymology 2

From Middle English beeldynge, equivalent to build + -ing.

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

This entry
Origin Middle English byldynge
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Very common
Updated