building

noun

build·​ing ˈbil-diŋ 

1

: a usually roofed and walled structure built for permanent use (as for a dwelling)

2

: the art or business of assembling materials into a structure

Synonyms

• edifice
• structure

Examples of building in a Sentence

My office is in that small brick building.

We bought the land for building.

Recent Examples on the Web

Just as firefighters rush into burning buildings to save lives, this team’s specialists mobilize both domestically and internationally to help curb disease outbreaks. —Casey Luc, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025

And when screen time is over, ideally, your little one will hop off the couch inspired to start a creative building project of their own. —Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 14 Apr. 2025

Red and black graffiti was also found on the facility's building and six other vehicles. —Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2025

Nearby buildings were also impacted, the diocese said. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing building

• apartment building
• building block
• building society
• sick building syndrome
• world building

Rhymes for building

• gilding
• boatbuilding
• outbuilding
• rebuilding
• roadbuilding
• shipbuilding
• upbuilding
• bodybuilding

Kids Definition

building

noun

build·​ing ˈbil-diŋ 

1

: a permanent structure built as a dwelling, shelter, or place for human activity or for storage

an office building

2

: the art, work, or business of assembling materials into a structure