jerry-build

verb

jer·​ry-build ˈjer-ē-ˌbild How to pronounce jerry-build (audio)
jerry-built ˈjer-ē-ˌbilt How to pronounce jerry-build (audio) ; jerry-building

transitive verb

: to build cheaply and flimsily
jerry-builder noun

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from jerry-built

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jerry-build was in 1832

Dictionary Entries Near jerry-build

Cite this Entry

“Jerry-build.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jerry-build. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on jerry-build

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!