View synonyms for building

building

[ bil-ding ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a relatively permanent enclosed construction over a plot of land, having a roof and usually windows and often more than one level, used for any of a wide variety of activities, as living, entertaining, or manufacturing.
anything built built or constructed.
the act, business, or practice of constructing houses, office buildings, etc.

building

/ ˈbɪldɪŋ /

noun

something built with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory
the act, business, occupation, or art of building houses, boats, etc

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Other Words From

building·less adjective
under·building noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of building¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, building is from the Middle English word byldinge. See build, -ing ¹

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Synonym Study

Building, edifice, structure refer to something built. Building and structure may apply to either a finished or an unfinished product of construction, and carry no implications as to size or condition. Edifice is a more formal word and narrower in application, referring to a completed structure, and usually a large and imposing one. Building generally connotes a useful purpose (houses, schools, business offices, etc.); structure suggests the planning and constructive process.

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Example Sentences

He labelled it "the worst deal in history", saying it did too little to stop Iran's potential pathway to building a nuclear bomb.

From BBC

Some years before the Glasgow attack, he had crawled through smoke in a burning building in an unsuccessful attempt to rescue an elderly man from a fire.

From BBC

The proposed improvements aim to modernise the station while still complimenting the history and heritage of the building, they added.

From BBC

An Instagram video from the dealership showed a gaping maw where the vehicle reversed into the building.

From Los Angeles Times

She means this literally: On set during “Black Bag,” the two discovered that each begins their day with an ice bath as a way of building focus.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

build in building and loan association

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