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.
Feynman came of age during the dawn of quantum mechanics, when scientists began to recognize that atoms, electrons, light, and other sub-nanoscale objects—building blocks for everything in the universe—obey fundamentally different rules than the objects of everyday life. Charina Chou, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025 Adding chlorine to organic compounds helps create the building blocks of a number of important materials, including pharmaceuticals. Alex Knapp, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 The waste is broken down to its molecular building blocks through Eastman’s patented closed-loop molecular recycling technology and combined with sustainably sourced wood pulp. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 31 Dec. 2024 Amino acids are organic compounds often referred to as the building blocks of proteins. Jillian Kubala, Health, 25 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 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

building block

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