construction

noun

con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce construction (audio)
Synonyms of construction
1
: the act or result of construing, interpreting, or explaining
2
a
: the process, art, or manner of constructing something
Construction of the new bridge will begin in the spring.
also : a thing constructed
b
: the construction industry
working in construction
3
: the arrangement and connection of words or groups of words in a sentence : syntactical arrangement
That verb is often used in passive constructions.
4
: a sculpture that is put together out of separate pieces of often disparate materials
constructional
kən-ˈstrək-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce construction (audio)
adjective
constructionally adverb

Synonyms of construction

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Examples of construction in a Sentence

Construction of the new bridge will begin in the spring. Construction on the bridge will occur daily from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Note the similar construction of the buildings. Some people think it is wrong to end a sentence with a preposition, but the construction is quite common in English. That verb is commonly used in passive constructions. This word is used in positive constructions.
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.
As joint capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire from 1873 to 1918, Budapest was one of the liveliest, most cultured, and prosperous cities in Europe; that golden era saw the construction of grand boulevards and numerous splendid buildings. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026 Although denim can be quite rigid for travel or long in-office days, Quince’s options happen to be uniquely stretchy and soft, with premium construction that rivals brands triple the price. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026 Prosecutors later concluded that evidence pointed to construction issues with the Reflecting Pool basin, rather than intentional vandalism. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 3 Aug. 2026 The Lennox-Inglewood Tenants Union organized protests before and during the construction of SoFi. — Shi Bradley, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for construction

Word History

Etymology

see construct entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing construction

Rhymes for construction

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Browse Nearby Words

construct form
construction
constructional
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Cite this Entry

“Construction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/construction. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

construction

noun
con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce construction (audio)
1
: interpretation sense 1
strict construction of the law
2
: the process, art, or manner of constructing
3
: something built or put together : structure
4
: the arrangement and connection of words or groups of words in a sentence

Legal Definition

construction

noun
con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce construction (audio)
: the act or result of construing, interpreting, or explaining meaning or effect (as of a statute or contract)
the construction placed upon an agreement—J. D. Calamari and J. M. Perillo

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