jerry–build

verb jer·ry–build \ˈjer-ē-ˌbild\

jer·ry–built \-ˌbilt\jer·ry–build·ing

Definition of JERRY-BUILD

transitive verb

: to build cheaply and flimsily

— jer·ry–build·er noun

back-formation from jerry-built

First Known Use: 1885

Next Word in the Dictionary: jerry–builtPrevious Word in the Dictionary: JerryAll Words Near: jerry-build

What made you want to look up jerry-build? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears