buildup
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
buildups
plural
buildups
Britannica Dictionary definition of BUILDUP
1
:
an increase in something that occurs as time passes
— often + of
[count]
-
the country's military buildup [=an increase in the size of its military]
-
There is a big traffic buildup on the highway.
-
He had a buildup of fluid in the lungs.
-
a buildup of tension/pressure/stress
[noncount]
-
You should clean the mechanism regularly to prevent buildup of dirt.
2
:
things that are said to cause people to feel excited about something (such as a future event) or someone (such as a performer)
[noncount]
-
After all the buildup [=hype, publicity], I expected the movie to be better than it actually was.
[count]
-
Both players were given big buildups before the game.
3
[noncount]
:
a series of things that lead to an important event or occurrence
— + to
-
There have been many news stories during the buildup to the peace talks.
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The story/movie/song has a great buildup to a terrific ending.
