# buildup

/ˈbɪɫˌdəp/ (US) · /bˈɪldʌp/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/buildup
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. gradual increase

noun · CEFR B2

a slow increase or accumulation of something over a period of time.

For teachers: the gradual accumulation or increase of a substance, pressure, or abstract quality.

- The buildup of ice on the wings made it dangerous for the plane to fly.
- Environmental scientists are concerned about the long-term buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and its impact on global temperatures.

### 2. preparation for an event

noun · CEFR B2

the period of time and excitement leading up to a major event.

For teachers: the period of preparation, publicity, or increasing excitement preceding a specific event.

- There was a lot of media buildup before the championship game started.
- Despite the intense promotional buildup surrounding the product launch, initial sales figures were surprisingly modest.

### 3. dental repair

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a way to fix a damaged tooth by building it up with special material.

For teachers: the construction of a composite core to restore or repair a damaged tooth structure.

- The dentist recommended a buildup before placing the new crown on the tooth.
- The clinical success of the final restoration depends heavily on the structural integrity of the composite buildup used to support the crown.

## Examples

- The buildup of snow caused the road to close.
- There was a steady buildup of tension in the room before the manager spoke.
- The political crisis resulted from a long buildup of economic grievances that the government had ignored for years.

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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.