1
: something produced by building up
fluid buildup in the lungs
2
: the act or process of building up
built up; building up; builds up
1
: to develop gradually by increments
building up endurance
built up a library
2
: to promote the health, strength, esteem, or reputation of
: to accumulate or develop appreciably
Examples of buildup in a Sentence
Noun
There is a big traffic buildup on the highway.
You should clean the mechanism regularly to prevent buildup of dirt.
Both players were given big buildups before the game.
Verb
static electricity built up on the cat's fur
the roller coaster built up momentum
Recent Examples on the Web
Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Apr. 2025
According to the Mayo Clinic, the illness develops a hardening of the arteries, from a buildup of cholesterol and fat that forms plaque within artery walls and restricts blood flow.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
So that was the first two full years, trying to build up the farm system and sort of get the organization back to health.
—Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buildup
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.
Noun
This shampoo effectively cleanses my scalp, removing buildup and leaving my hair feeling refreshed and light.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Apr. 2025
According to the Mayo Clinic, the illness develops a hardening of the arteries, from a buildup of cholesterol and fat that forms plaque within artery walls and restricts blood flow.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
Those opposed to international intervention have long argued that the money is better spent on the Haiti National Police while others point out that while the police needs to be built up, the current crisis demands foreign assistance.
—Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2025
So that was the first two full years, trying to build up the farm system and sort of get the organization back to health.
—Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for buildup
Cite this Entry
“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buildup. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
buildup
noun
build·up
ˈbil-ˌdəp 
1
: something produced by building up
2
: the act or process of building up
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share