builder
This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 17 October 2026 at 16:35. This address is a permanent link to this version.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈbɪl.də/ (UK); /ˈbɪl.dɚ/ (US)[1]
Etymology
It is inherited from Middle English bilder, an agent noun from bilden (“to build”) (see build) and -er.[2][3]
Earliest recorded meaning
One who builds, especially one who directs construction: the late 13th century in Etymonline, about 1380 in the OED.[3][4]
Semantic evolution
In a spinning machine the builder regulates how yarn is wound, from 1884,[4] and in soaps and detergents a builder is a substance added to increase their efficiency, from 1931.[4] A builders' merchant supplies the building trade.[4]
Timeline
- late 13th century – one who builds.[3]
- c. 1380 – builder (OED).[4]
- 1884 – part of a spinning machine.[4]
- 1931 – a builder in detergents.[4]
Modern meaning
Noun
- A person who builds, especially one who contracts for and supervises the construction or repair of buildings.
- A substance added to soap or detergent to improve it.
Word family
- boatbuilder
- bodybuilder
- homebuilder
- shipbuilder
- underbuilder
- master builder
- mound builder
Related words
- build
- building
References
- ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
- ^ Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
- ^ a b c Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
- ^ a b c d e f g Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press