English Reference
verb · adjective

erected

v. · adj.
US /ɪˈɹɛktəd/ UK /ɪɹˈɛktɪd/ erect·ed

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    v.built a tall structure like a building, wall, or statue.

    v.constructed or established a vertical structure. Transitive; requires a direct object.

    Simple

    The city erected a new statue in the park to honour the local hero.

    In context

    The temporary scaffolding was erected within forty-eight hours to facilitate urgent repairs to the cathedral's crumbling masonry.

    Usage

    Often used in formal contexts regarding monuments, buildings, or barriers.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.moved something so that it stands straight up.

    v.set or positioned something in a vertical or upright state.

    Simple

    They erected the tent in the middle of the field before it started to rain.

    In context

    Once the heavy steel beams were erected and secured, the rest of the frame could be assembled with relative ease.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical

    adj.standing straight up or pointing upwards.

    adj.positioned vertically or in an upright posture. Often used in biological or technical descriptions.

    Simple

    The bird had a crest of erected feathers on its head.

    In context

    The specimen was found with its dorsal fins in an erected position, suggesting a defensive posture prior to its preservation.

A giant “Lake Ontario – Now and Always” sign in English and French was erected over the weekend near Grimsby, Ontario.

The Guardian· 1 Sept 2026

Skate parks:  Cities erected structures in parks and public areas to keep skateboarders off the streets, but their style couldn’t be contained.

Smithsonian Magazine· 17 Jun 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated