building

1 of 2

noun

build·​ing ˈbil-diŋ How to pronounce building (audio)
Synonyms of buildingnext
1
: a usually roofed and walled structure built for permanent use (as for a dwelling)
2
: the art or business of assembling materials into a structure

building

2 of 2

present participle of build entry 1

Synonyms of building

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Noun

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Examples of building in a Sentence

Noun My office is in that small brick building. We bought the land for building.
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Noun
In the newer buildings—built in the same style as the original house—some accommodations feature a private pool and garden area, which is the perfect space for a small family, bridal suite, or honeymoon escape. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026 On one side, the former townhouse faces the splendour of the US Embassy building and its gardens. — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026 These building-block hats can be placed next to one another to create bigger and bigger shapes that also look like the hat. — Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 12 Oct. 2026 The real trouble — and likely a big part of why Vaccarello headed for the doors — was coming from inside the building. — Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 12 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for building

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English bildyng, buldyng, from bilden, buylden, bulden "to build entry 1" + -yng -ing entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of building was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing building

Rhymes for building

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Browse Nearby Words

build in
building
building and loan association
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Cite this Entry

“Building.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/building. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

building

noun
build·​ing ˈbil-diŋ How to pronounce building (audio)
1
: a permanent structure built as a dwelling, shelter, or place for human activity or for storage
an office building
2
: the art, work, or business of assembling materials into a structure

More from Merriam-Webster on building

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about building

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