building

noun

build·​ing ˈbil-diŋ How to pronounce building (audio)
Synonyms of buildingnext
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 of building

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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
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.
Rooms No two suites are alike, their proportions and personalities dictated by the quirks of the original buildings, but all claim equally lovely views. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Aug. 2026 The Alibi Gets Heavier The models run in buildings, the buildings run on a grid, and the grid has costs that somebody pays. — Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026 McIntosh’s Bryan Boone, the county’s building and zoning administrator, said just shy of 30 feet was the minimum given the flood risk. — Adam Van Brimmer, AJC.com, 8 Aug. 2026 Long dark lines, separated by white spaces, race across the ground or sides of buildings. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for building

Word History

Etymology

Middle English bildyng, buldyng, from bilden, buylden, bulden "to build entry 1" + -yng -ing entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of building was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing building

Rhymes for building

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Browse Nearby Words

build in
building
building and loan association
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Cite this Entry

“Building.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/building. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

building

noun
build·​ing ˈbil-diŋ How to pronounce building (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on building

Nglish: Translation of building for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about building

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