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

With Buechner flagging comedogenic risk and scalp buildup, expect scalp-safety claims to migrate from the fine print to the front label. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026

There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing stubborn mascara and the day’s buildup go down the drain, especially when the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is involved. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 6 Oct. 2026

Verb

Levi’s — under Gass as well as her predecessor Chip Bergh — has built up a certain credibility and is getting the benefit of the doubt. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026

No matter how to brush teeth properly, bristles can’t reach the tight spaces between teeth where plaque builds up. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 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