1. (v. t.) To erect or construct, as an edifice or fabric of any kind; to form by uniting materials into a regular structure; to fabricate; to make; to raise.

2. (v. t.) To raise or place on a foundation; to form, establish, or produce by using appropriate means.

3. (v. t.) To increase and strengthen; to increase the power and stability of; to settle, or establish, and preserve; -- frequently with up; as, to build up one's constitution.

4. (v. i.) To exercise the art, or practice the business, of building.

5. (v. i.) To rest or depend, as on a foundation; to ground one's self or one's hopes or opinions upon something deemed reliable; to rely; as, to build on the opinions or advice of others.

6. (n.) Form or mode of construction; general figure; make; as, the build of a ship.