worldbuilding
nounUK /ˈwɜːldˌbɪldɪŋ/
US /ˈwɝːldˌbɪldɪŋ/
Worldbuilding is when someone makes up a whole pretend world with its own places, people, and rules.
The author spent months on worldbuilding before writing the first chapter of her fantasy novel.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The detailed background of a fictional setting, including its history, geography, and cultures.
Fans praised the game's worldbuilding, from its ancient languages to its trade routes.
3. The collaborative activity of inventing a shared imaginary world, often for games or role-play.
Their weekend worldbuilding sessions produced an entire continent with rival kingdoms.
4. In tabletop role-playing games, the process by which a game master creates the campaign setting.
Good worldbuilding gives players a sense of place even before the adventure begins.