builder

[ bil-der ]

noun

1. a person who builds.
2. a person who constructs buildings under contract or as a speculation.
3. a substance, as an abrasive or filler, added to soaps or other cleaning agents to increase their effectiveness.

builder

/ ˈbɪldə /

noun

1. a person who builds, esp one who contracts for and supervises the construction or repair of buildings
2. a substance added to a soap or detergent as a filler or abrasive

Other Words From

• under·builder noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of builder¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, builder is from the Middle English word bildere. See build, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Most of that cost is getting passed from the builder to the consumer, Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders, told Fortune.

From Fortune

Student builders started a spreadsheet to track progress on buildings.

From MIT Technology Review

The builders of Stonehenge had lived — and partied — here while they erected the giant stones.

From Science News For Students

If a builder added one new studio apartment in southeastern San Diego, they’d pay the community $9,883.

From Voice of San Diego

On Earth, builders can add a chemical to reduce the amount of water needed in cement.

From Science News For Students

And there, the sand castle builder and tag player who loved her aunt more than science would be buried.

From The Daily Beast

Of course, the prevailing mythos presents high school football as the ultimate builder of character.

From The Daily Beast

It was designed, with help from an architect and builder, by her consort Prince Albert.

From The Daily Beast

But one small builder in the San Fernando Valley in California is adding a new standard: a dozen-odd solar panels.

From The Daily Beast

A builder by profession, he quickly became something of a Forrest Gump of budgetary doom.

From The Daily Beast

Mr. Willis gained a wide and deservedly high reputation as the builder of many Cathedral organs—upwards of sixteen.

From Project Gutenberg

The writer saw this organ in the builder's factory in London before it was shipped to Sydney.

From Project Gutenberg

The builder himself will, in all probability, be obliged to rest contented with the consciousness of his talent.

From Project Gutenberg

He means the builder's plummet, which Zorobabel shall hold in his hand for the finishing the building.-Ibid.

From Project Gutenberg

If he has caused the son of the owner of the house to die, one shall put to death the son of that builder.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• architect
• artisan
• contractor
• inventor
• maker
• manufacturer
• producer