build·ing (bĭĺdĭng)

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noun 

1. Something that is built, as for human habitation; a structure.
2. The act, process, art, or occupation of constructing.

build (bĭld)

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[Middle English bilden, from Old English byldan.]

verb: built (bĭlt), build·ing, builds. 

transitive verb 

1. To form by combining materials or parts; construct.
2. To order, finance, or supervise the construction of: The administration built several new housing projects.
3. To develop or give form to according to a plan or process; create: build a nation; built a successful business out of their corner grocery store.
4. To increase or strengthen by adding gradually to: money building interest in a savings account; build support for a political candidate.
5. To establish a basis for; found or ground: build an argument on fact.

intransitive verb 

1. To make something by combining materials or parts.
2. To engage in the construction or design of buildings: “Each of the three architects built in a different style” (Dwight Macdonald)
3. To develop in magnitude or extent: clouds building on the horizon.
4. To progress toward a maximum, as of intensity: suspense building from the opening scene to the climax.

noun 

1. The physical makeup of a person or thing; physique: an athletic build.
2. Computer Science Any of various versions of a software product as it is being developed for release to users.

phrasal verbs

build in

To construct or include as an integral part of: a wall with shelving that was built in; build stability into the economy.

build on

To use as a basis or foundation: We must build on our recent success.

build up

To develop or increase in stages or by degrees: built up the business; building up my endurance for the marathon.

To accumulate or collect: sediment building up on the ocean floor.

To bolster: build up the product with a massive ad campaign; built up my hopes after the interview.

To fill up (an area) with buildings.

idioms

build on sand

To provide with an unstable foundation: Having bought only high-risk stocks, my portfolio was built on sand.