building

Pronunciation: /ˈbɪl.dɪŋ/

Reading level: medium

Estimated CEFR level: A2 — Elementary

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
  2. noun the act of constructing something
  3. noun the commercial activity involved in repairing old structures or constructing new ones

Etymology

From Middle English byldynge, buyldyng, byldyng, buldynge, buldyng, boldyng, equivalent to build + -ing. Compare also related Middle English bold (“edifice, castle, mansion”), from Old English bold (“building, dwelling, house”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

edifice

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
structure
Narrower (hyponyms)
bathhouse, roman building, presbytery, skyscraper, tavern, apartment building

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