Builder: The Person Who Puts It Up
A builder constructs buildings. British English also uses the word for the whole trade, and for a famously strong cup of tea.
A builder is someone who constructs things, especially houses. In British usage the word covers the general tradesperson who takes on the whole job. Americans more often say contractor and reserve builder for the firm or the developer.
- A person who constructs buildings. *We hired a local builder.*
- A firm that develops property. *One of the country's largest builders.*
- Anything that builds up. *A confidence builder.*
- Strong tea, in builder's tea. *A mug of builder's tea.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | builder | A reliable builder. |
| Verb | build | They build in stone. |
| Noun | building | A tall building. |
| Compound | builder's merchant | Order it from the builder's merchant. |
| Compound | body builder | A competitive body builder. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The builders start on Monday.Plural even for a small firm — a British habit.
- Get three quotes before choosing a builder.Standard practical advice.
- Builder's tea means strong, with milk and two sugars.A stereotype turned into an order.
Who does what on a site
- Builder — takes on the overall construction work
- Architect — designs the building and produces the drawings
- Surveyor — measures, values and inspects
- Contractor — holds the contract and may subcontract the trades
- Bricklayer, plumber, sparks — the specific trades on site
The verb *build* comes from Old English *byldan*, related to *bold*, a dwelling. The agent noun is as plain as English gets: a builder is one who builds.
Builder or contractor?
British speakers hire a builder. American speakers hire a contractor, who then hires the subcontractors.
Why is strong tea called builder's tea?
From the stereotype of a construction worker's break: cheap bags, brewed hard, plenty of milk and sugar.