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building block
noun
: a unit of construction or composition
especially
: something essential on which a larger entity is based
Synonyms
Examples of building block in a Sentence
historically the infantry division has been a basic building block of armies
Recent Examples on the Web
While electronic devices are built from wires and transistors, cells are built from and controlled by a diverse collection of chemical building blocks called proteins.
—Scott Coyle, The Conversation, 31 May 2024
Heterostructures describe the interfaces between two semiconductors that serve as the building blocks between more elaborate nanostructures.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 May 2024
These are the building blocks of the company culture Nassetta is dead-set on cultivating.
—Jane Thier, Fortune, 24 May 2024
Infrastructure investments, regulatory reforms, and equitable economic policies are the building blocks of this transformative vision.
—Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 10 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for building block
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
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 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
building block
noun
: a unit of construction or composition
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