constructor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Business, Academic, Everyday (in specific contexts)
Quick answer
What does “constructor” mean?
A person or company whose job is to build, assemble, or create structures, vehicles, or complex systems, often from individual parts or components.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or company whose job is to build, assemble, or create structures, vehicles, or complex systems, often from individual parts or components.
1. (Computing/Mathematics) A special method in object-oriented programming that initializes a newly created object. 2. (Logic/Mathematics) A function or operation used to build complex structures from simpler ones.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference in core meaning. British English may use 'constructor' slightly more in formal or specific technical contexts (e.g., 'construction firm'), whereas American English might lean towards 'builder' or 'contractor' more frequently in everyday building contexts.
Connotations
Both share connotations of technical skill and systematic assembly. In motorsports (e.g., Formula One), 'constructor' is the standard term in both dialects.
Frequency
More frequent in technical and academic registers in both varieties. In everyday speech, 'builder' is more common.
Grammar
How to Use “constructor” in a Sentence
constructor of + [complex object] (constructor of bridges)constructor for + [client/organisation] (constructor for the city council)constructor specialising in + [field] (constructor specialising in green buildings)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “constructor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - 'Constructor' is not a verb. The verb is 'to construct'.
American English
- N/A - 'Constructor' is not a verb. The verb is 'to construct'.
adverb
British English
- N/A - The related adverb is 'constructively'. 'Constructor' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - The related adverb is 'constructively'. 'Constructor' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- N/A - The related adjective is 'constructive' or 'constructional'. 'Constructor' is not used as an adjective.
American English
- N/A - The related adjective is 'constructive' or 'constructional'. 'Constructor' is not used as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a company that undertakes construction projects, e.g., 'The council hired a major constructor for the new hospital wing.'
Academic
Used in computer science (OOP), mathematics, and engineering to denote a systematic building principle or function.
Everyday
Less common than 'builder', but used for specific, often large-scale, building projects like houses or ships.
Technical
The precise term in programming (class constructor), motorsports (F1 constructor), and certain engineering disciplines.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “constructor”
- Using 'constructor' for a person doing small DIY jobs (use 'builder' or 'handyman').
- Misspelling as 'constuctor' or 'construktor'.
- Using it as a verb (the verb is 'to construct').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Builder' is a more general, everyday term. 'Constructor' often implies a more technical, systematic, or large-scale process and is the preferred term in specific fields like software engineering and professional motorsports.
No, 'constructor' is only a noun. The verb form is 'to construct'.
Yes. While often a person or company, it can refer to a programming function (a class constructor) or a conceptual tool in mathematics/logic that 'constructs' complex entities.
Slightly. The main difference is in the final vowel sound (schwa /ə/ in British English vs. rhotic /ɚ/ in American English), which is typical for '-or' endings.
A person or company whose job is to build, assemble, or create structures, vehicles, or complex systems, often from individual parts or components.
Constructor is usually technical, business, academic, everyday (in specific contexts) in register.
Constructor: in British English it is pronounced /kənˈstrʌk.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˈstrʌk.tɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'constructor']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of CONSTRUCTOR as someone who CONSTRUCTS OR builds things. The '-or' ending often indicates a person who performs an action (like 'actor', 'doctor').
Conceptual Metaphor
BUILDING IS CREATING; A PERSON/ENTITY IS A BUILDING TOOL (e.g., 'He was the chief constructor of the new policy framework').
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the term 'constructor' most specifically and correctly used?