purpose-built

adjective

pur·​pose-built ˌpər-pəs-ˈbilt How to pronounce purpose-built (audio)
chiefly British
: built for a particular purpose

Examples of purpose-built in a Sentence

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.
Robotaxis have rolled out in cities around the world, but the Tensor Robocar is the first fully autonomous vehicle purpose-built for private ownership. — Matt Alderton, Time, 15 Oct. 2026 Universities are purpose-built to resist change of almost any kind. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2026 While some martech vendors will scramble to bolt AI onto legacy platforms, the ones who will likely conquer have been purpose-built for the AI-first era. — Rafael Flores, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026 The Yampu was purpose-built by maritime giant CSL Group for construction materials producer Adbri. — New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for purpose-built

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of purpose-built was in 1954

Rhymes for purpose-built

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Browse Nearby Words

purpose
purpose-built
purposedly
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Cite this Entry

“Purpose-built.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/purpose-built. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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