building block

noun

: a unit of construction or composition
especially : something essential on which a larger entity is based

Examples of building block in a Sentence

historically the infantry division has been a basic building block of armies
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Rosetta caught whiffs of glycine, one of the amino acid building blocks of proteins. Elise Cutts, WIRED, 22 Dec. 2024 Just a few spoonfuls of flavorful cocoa (or, in some versions, a couple of tidy squares of baking chocolate) turn this cake a pale, ruddy brown, the same color as the building blocks of brown stone building facades, thus its name. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024 Protein is made of amino acid building blocks that are involved in the growth and maintenance of every tissue and structure within the body, including muscles, bones, skin, nails, and hair. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Dec. 2024 There’s also a dose of arginine, an important amino acid that’s one of the key building blocks of collagen. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for building block 

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of building block was in 1756

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 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

building block

noun
: a unit of construction or composition
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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