1
: something produced by building up
fluid buildup in the lungs
2
: the act or process of building up
built up; building up; builds up
1
: to develop gradually by increments
building up endurance
built up a library
2
: to promote the health, strength, esteem, or reputation of
: to accumulate or develop appreciably
Synonyms
Examples of buildup in a Sentence
Noun
There is a big traffic buildup on the highway.
You should clean the mechanism regularly to prevent buildup of dirt.
Both players were given big buildups before the game.
Verb
static electricity built up on the cat's fur
the roller coaster built up momentum
Recent Examples on the Web
Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 11 Dec. 2024
Each eruption contributed to a gradual buildup of atmospheric dust, dimming sunlight and cooling the planet.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Allure Editors, Allure, 1 Dec. 2024
Dergarabedian said the theater screen goes hand-in-hand with streaming services at home and can build up the success of a movie long-term.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for buildup 
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Noun
Wednesday’s presentation was short on specifics, with festival organizers saying only that the buildup to the Preakness will last for months and that a list of events — including free and ticketed cultural gatherings, arts activities, and a headline concert — will be released in early 2025.
—Childs Walker, Baltimore Sun, 11 Dec. 2024
Each eruption contributed to a gradual buildup of atmospheric dust, dimming sunlight and cooling the planet.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
Verb
To avoid clumps, KVD recommends first wiping the wand against the rim of the tube to remove excess formula and building up coats quickly while your lashes are still wet.
—Allure Editors, Allure, 1 Dec. 2024
Dergarabedian said the theater screen goes hand-in-hand with streaming services at home and can build up the success of a movie long-term.
—Auzinea Bacon, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for buildup
Dictionary Entries Near buildup
Cite this Entry
“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buildup. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
buildup
noun
build·up
ˈbil-ˌdəp 
1
: something produced by building up
2
: the act or process of building up
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