built

American  

[bilt] / bɪlt /

verb

1. simple past tense and past participle of build.

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adjective

1. Informal.

   1. of sound or sturdy construction.

      These cars are really built.

   2. having a good physique or figure.

      That lifeguard is really built!

2. Nautical. noting any member or part of a vessel assembled from pieces.

   built frame; built spar.

built British  

/ bɪlt /

verb

1. the past tense and past participle of build

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built Idioms  

1. see made (built) to order; not built that way; Rome wasn't built in a day. Also see under build.

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Other Word Forms

• well-built adjective

Etymology

Origin of built

First recorded in 1560–70, for the adjective

Example Sentences

“Cori has built a lot of trust with this group, and it shows in the way that she stays so composed,” Leger-Walker said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Other countries became eager customers of U.S. oil and gas thanks to a reputation for reliability built up before Trump’s second term.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Bushehr nuclear power plant, Iran's only operational civilian nuclear facility, was built by Russia and officially handed over in September 2013, after decades of twists, turns and delays linked to Iran's turbulent history.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

You’re reading this article on a digital tool built on the foundation of making a complex technology accessible for billions of people.

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

Green waves built up and beat against the land side of the island.

From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell