build

/bɪld/ verb (built, built)

Definition

› [I or T] to make a building or other structure by putting different parts or materials together: New offices were built downtown to house the company's headquarters. The city plans to build three new parking structures next to the airport. build cars/planes/machinery, etc.

› [T] to create something from a collection of ideas, plans, information, people, etc.: build a website/network build a company/team/department

› [T] (also build up) to develop something gradually so that it becomes larger, more powerful, more successful, etc.: build up a career/business/brand He moved to London where he built up a successful career in journalism.

› [T] IT to create a computer program: Researchers have built a sophisticated computer program to search for answers.

build a case › LAW to collect facts and information in order to prove in a court of law that someone is guilty or not guilty: build a case for/against sb Investigators are working to build a case against the three suspects.

be built to flip › if a company is built to flip, the owner plans to sell it soon after creating it in order to make a profit quickly: Some companies are built to flip, so there is hardly any investment in research and development.

be built to last › if something is built to last, it is made, designed, or planned so well that it continues to exist or stay successful for a very long time: Our products are built to last and come with a lifetime guarantee.

(Definition of build verb from the Cambridge Business English Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)