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
Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Though more popular for your skin, when applied to your scalp and strands, the ingredient sloughs off buildup, soothes irritation, reduces dandruff, and controls oil production.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Michael Schneider, Variety, 29 May 2026
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for buildup
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Noun
Teams have been less willing to let San Diego play through central zones, less surprised by its buildup structure and more eager to test the space behind its fullbacks and center backs.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2026
Though more popular for your skin, when applied to your scalp and strands, the ingredient sloughs off buildup, soothes irritation, reduces dandruff, and controls oil production.
—Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 29 May 2026
Verb
And that came in the guise of a serious illness that threatens — but then ends up solidifying — the unbreakable bond between Deborah (Jean Smart) and her protégé, Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder), something that has been built up over the course of five seasons.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 29 May 2026
This happens when water in front of the tire builds up faster than the vehicle's weight can push water out of the way.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for buildup
Cite this Entry
“Buildup.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/buildup. Accessed 29 May. 2026.
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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