building block
noun
: a unit of construction or composition
especially
: something essential on which a larger entity is based
Synonyms
Examples of building block in a Sentence
historically the infantry division has been a basic building block of armies
Recent Examples on the Web
Researchers observe crucial step in planet formation Data from both ALMA and Webb allowed the researchers to trace how dust grains move and are distributed within the disc in a process scientists believe is the building block for planetary formation.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025
Nutrients to provide the building blocks, and lower carbs to help stabilize your blood sugar and even out the roller coaster of spikes and drops that create so many cognition-impairing side effects, including lightheadedness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability and a decrease in focus.
—Heather Sandison, Contributor, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025
Twenty years ago, under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Israel withdrew its settlements from the Strip, which was to be the first building block of Palestinian statehood.
—Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2025
Larger building blocks would also make the supercontinents more rigid, keeping them separate from mantle convection, or movement of materials in that layer due to heat transfer.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for building block 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2025
Nutrients to provide the building blocks, and lower carbs to help stabilize your blood sugar and even out the roller coaster of spikes and drops that create so many cognition-impairing side effects, including lightheadedness, anxiety, fatigue, irritability and a decrease in focus.
—Heather Sandison, Contributor, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2025
Twenty years ago, under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Israel withdrew its settlements from the Strip, which was to be the first building block of Palestinian statehood.
—Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2025
Larger building blocks would also make the supercontinents more rigid, keeping them separate from mantle convection, or movement of materials in that layer due to heat transfer.
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for building block
Dictionary Entries Near building block
Cite this Entry
“Building block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/building%20block. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share