Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

build-up

 noun
     
build-up [countable usually singular]
1 an increase over a period of time
build-up of
a heavy build-up of traffic on the motorway
2 a description of someone or something before an event in which you say they are very special or important:
The presenter gave her a big build-up.
3 the length of time spent preparing an event:
I was running 20 miles a week in my build-up for the race.

➔ build up

at build1
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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