buildup

1 of 2

noun

build·​up ˈbild-ˌəp 

1

: something produced by building up

fluid buildup in the lungs

2

: the act or process of building up

build up

2 of 2

verb

built up; building up; builds up

transitive verb

1

: to develop gradually by increments

building up endurance

built up a library

2

: to promote the health, strength, esteem, or reputation of

intransitive verb

: to accumulate or develop appreciably

builder-upper

ˈbil-dər-ˈə-pər 

noun

Synonyms of buildup

Verb

• increase
• rise
• accelerate
• swell
• expand
• climb
• roll up

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

Noun

Over time, this buildup can act as an insulating barrier, potentially degrading the electrical signal and rendering the device less effective or requiring surgical revision. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026

However, your energy might be blocked by others or by your own feelings because of a buildup before tomorrow’s Full Moon. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026

Verb

Long is in the process of building up to full fitness following his return from Achilles surgery. —Josh Gross, Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026

The reason for this is because a strong energy is building up before tomorrow’s Full Moon, which can distract you or cause mix-ups in communications and transportation. —Georgia Nicols, Denver Post, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1555, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for buildup

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup
• pickup

Kids Definition

buildup

noun

build·​up ˈbil-ˌdəp 

1

: something produced by building up

2

: the act or process of building up