building
BIHL-dihng
Building (noun) means a structure with walls and a roof, such as a house, office, or factory. Example: “The old brick building on the corner used to be a school.”
noun
1
A structure with walls and a roof, such as a house, office, or factory.
"The old brick building on the corner used to be a school."
"City hall is the tallest building in town."
"The new library is a modern glass building beside the river."
2
The activity or process of constructing something.
"Building started on the new bridge last spring."
"Building a wooden shed by yourself takes patience and a few good tools."
"The town's rapid building of new homes has changed the surrounding countryside."
How to use building
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a physical structure you can walk into, or the act of putting one up.
Common pairings
office building
building work
under construction
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Word forms
- Plural
- buildings
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The old brick _____ on the corner used to be a school.
Etymology
From Middle English byldynge, from build + the suffix -ing.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for building
See all rhymes for building →Frequently asked questions
What does “building” mean?
The word “building” means a structure with walls and a roof, such as a house, office, or factory. In plain terms, either a physical structure you can walk into, or the act of putting one up.
How do you pronounce “building”?
“Building” is pronounced BIHL-dihng (/ˈbɪl.dɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “building” in a sentence?
Here is “building” used in a sentence: “The old brick building on the corner used to be a school.”
What is another word for “building”?
Words with a similar meaning to “building” include edifice and wark.
What part of speech is “building”?
“Building” is a noun.
Where does the word “building” come from?
The word “building” comes from Middle English. From Middle English byldynge, from build + the suffix -ing.
Is “building” a common word?
“Building” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “building” have?
“Building” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a structure with walls and a roof, such as a house, office, or factory.
What is the difference between a building and a house?
A house is one kind of building — specifically, a place designed for people to live in. Building is the broad term for any walled, roofed structure, including offices, shops, schools, and factories. Every house is a building, but most buildings are not houses. In short, "house" tells you the purpose; "building" does not.
What is the difference between a building and a structure?
A building is a structure with walls and a roof, usually made for people to occupy. "Structure" is broader, covering anything built — bridges, towers, dams, and tunnels included. All buildings are structures, but many structures, like a bridge, are not buildings because they are not enclosed spaces to be inside.
What are the main types of buildings?
Buildings are commonly grouped by use: residential (houses and apartments), commercial (offices and shops), industrial (factories and warehouses), and public or institutional (schools, hospitals, and places of worship). Architects and planners use these categories because each type has different design, safety, and zoning requirements.
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