construction

noun

con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce construction (audio)
Synonyms of construction
1
: the act or result of construing, interpreting, or explaining
2
a
: the process, art, or manner of constructing something
Construction of the new bridge will begin in the spring.
also : a thing constructed
b
: the construction industry
working in construction
3
: the arrangement and connection of words or groups of words in a sentence : syntactical arrangement
That verb is often used in passive constructions.
4
: a sculpture that is put together out of separate pieces of often disparate materials
constructional
kən-ˈstrək-sh(ə-)nəl How to pronounce construction (audio)
adjective
constructionally adverb

Synonyms of construction

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Examples of construction in a Sentence

Construction of the new bridge will begin in the spring. Construction on the bridge will occur daily from 8:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. Note the similar construction of the buildings. Some people think it is wrong to end a sentence with a preposition, but the construction is quite common in English. That verb is commonly used in passive constructions. This word is used in positive constructions.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Under the conceptual arrangement, the city would own the property and oversee street construction, while the district would participate financially and construct its own access drives connecting to the new street. — Randy Moll, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026 The backlash in Wisconsin to data center construction has the candidates for governor from both parties quickly adjusting their midterms campaign messaging. — October 25, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026 The 18-story building collapsed Friday in a busy commercial street of the capital Nairobi, trapping construction workers and people reportedly inside shops on the ground and basement floors that had been illegally occupied. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 Shanghai Jiao Tong University will operate the platform, while Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), will handle its design and construction. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for construction

Word History

Etymology

see construct entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of construction was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing construction

Rhymes for construction

See All Rhymes for construction

Browse Nearby Words

construct form
construction
constructional
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Cite this Entry

“Construction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/construction. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

construction

noun
con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce construction (audio)
1
: interpretation sense 1
strict construction of the law
2
: the process, art, or manner of constructing
3
: something built or put together : structure
4
: the arrangement and connection of words or groups of words in a sentence

Legal Definition

construction

noun
con·​struc·​tion kən-ˈstrək-shən How to pronounce construction (audio)
: the act or result of construing, interpreting, or explaining meaning or effect (as of a statute or contract)
the construction placed upon an agreement—J. D. Calamari and J. M. Perillo
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