# building

/ˈbɪɫdɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈɪldɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/building
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Senses

### 1. a structure

noun · CEFR A1

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

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

- The tallest building in the city is visible from miles away.
- The historic building underwent extensive renovations to ensure its structural integrity while preserving its original facade.

### 2. the process of construction

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- Building work on the new hospital will start next month.
- The rapid building of the temporary shelters was essential for housing the displaced families before the winter storms arrived.

### 3. mathematical geometry

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

- The professor explained how a building helps us understand complex groups.
- In his lecture on algebraic groups, the mathematician demonstrated how the geometry of a building provides a visual framework for understanding group actions.

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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.