building block

noun

: a unit of construction or composition
especially : something essential on which a larger entity is based

Examples of building block in a Sentence

historically the infantry division has been a basic building block of armies
Recent Examples on the Web That has left the DOT sitting on about $34 million that could be spent on construction of a reliable, accessible and affordable charging network that is seen as a key building block to encouraging more widespread acceptance of electric vehicles. Molly Beck, Journal Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2024 Related article Webb spots a building block of life on Jupiter’s moon Europa This latest mission is headed to Jupiter’s moon Europa, one of several lunar ocean worlds considered to be the best places to search for life beyond Earth. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 12 Mar. 2024 Omega-3 fatty acids are essential building blocks for making hormones like estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, and cortisol. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 11 Mar. 2024 Scientists think this oxygen, a building block for life, could find its way into the moon’s ocean and potentially support metabolism in life forms, according to a statement from NASA. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024 The report essentially lays out the building blocks of what could amount to a pressure campaign waged in courtrooms and in corporate suites designed to spur change. Manuel Roig-Franzia, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 Sporting manager Peter Vermes —who managed his 500th MLS match on Saturday — felt the performance, and particularly getting a point on the road to start the season, was a good building block going forward. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 24 Feb. 2024 Few believe cryptocurrency will ever replace the basic building blocks of a stable economy, such as governance and a reliable legal system. Erika Page, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Feb. 2024 These pint-size pieces of furniture offer the perfect spot for exploring arts and crafts, Play-Doh, or building blocks, not to mention making mealtime a blast. Samantha McIntyre, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'building block.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of building block was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near building block

Cite this Entry

“Building block.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/building%20block. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

building block

noun
: a unit of construction or composition
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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