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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
But at the quantum level, the smallest particles that form the building blocks of all matter—including photons and electrons—behave differently. Pramod Kumar, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024 One of the building block’s residents, the 87-year-old Martha quickly takes responsibility for the murder, much to the surprise of her family. Annika Pham, Variety, 22 Oct. 2024 Your diet contains the building blocks for lipoproteins. Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024 Their discussions led to plans for the first studio in Zanzibar — a move Elba believes could be the first building block of a global entertainment hub. Nicole Goodkind, CNN, 20 Oct. 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 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

building block

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