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
Synonyms
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
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
But its clutter of themes ultimately feels rushed, dissipating in a climactic twist and life-goes-on fadeout that both seem less than the buildup deserves.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Katia Hetter, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
Inadequate Skin Care Routine Improper cleansing of the skin means that as skin cells die and turn over and as sweat and sebum are produced, the skin cells build up on the skin and in the pores instead of being washed away.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for buildup 
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Noun
With the buildup of seismic stress along the San Andreas Fault and smaller local faults, experts warn that the risk of a large-scale earthquake is high, particularly in the southern regions of the Golden State.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
But its clutter of themes ultimately feels rushed, dissipating in a climactic twist and life-goes-on fadeout that both seem less than the buildup deserves.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
Verb
This type can happen because of blood clots that block blood vessels or plaques causing blockages by building up in the vessels.
—Katia Hetter, CNN, 7 Feb. 2025
Inadequate Skin Care Routine Improper cleansing of the skin means that as skin cells die and turn over and as sweat and sebum are produced, the skin cells build up on the skin and in the pores instead of being washed away.
—Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for buildup
Dictionary Entries Near buildup
Cite this Entry
“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buildup. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
buildup
noun
build·up
ˈbil-ˌdəp 
1
: something produced by building up
2
: the act or process of building up
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