1 B1 neutral
To extend or add to an existing building or physical structure.
"They decided to build out the back of the house to create a larger kitchen."
separable
build out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To expand or develop an existing structure, network, or product further.
In plain English
To make something bigger by adding more to what is already there.
What does "build out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To expand or develop an existing business system, product, or network.
"The startup raised funds specifically to build out its sales and marketing team."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To add extensions outward to an existing building.
Actually means
To make something bigger by adding more to what is already there.
Usage tip
Common in technology, business, and construction contexts. In tech, often means expanding an existing platform or product with new features. In construction, it refers to adding extensions to an existing structure.
Words that pair with "build out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
infrastructure network platform team product office
How to conjugate "build out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
build out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
builds out
he/she/it
Past simple
built out
yesterday
Past participle
built out
have + pp
-ing form
building out
continuous
Hear "build out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "build out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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