compile

verb

com·​pile kəm-ˈpī(-ə)l 

compiled; compiling

transitive verb

1

: to compose out of materials from other documents

compile a statistical chart

2

: to collect and edit into a volume

compile a book of poems

3

: to build up gradually

compiled a record of four wins and two losses

4

: to run (something, such as a program) through a compiler

Synonyms

• anthologize
• collect

Examples of compile in a Sentence

He compiled a book of poems.

She compiled a list of names.

They took the best submissions and compiled them in a single issue of the magazine.

We compiled our findings in the report.

Recent Examples on the Web

International debt sales this year have brought in $17 billion, more than any other emerging-market sovereign, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 2 June 2024

Under the Vermont law, the state treasurer would compile a report of the companies responsible for more than 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas pollution in the state. —Stephanie Hanes, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 May 2024

The photos will be compiled into a physical yearbook after the event, offering a physical snapshot of L.A.’s creative scene at this moment in time. —The Editors, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024

Luzardo, who had compiled 14 shutout innings in his previous two outings, gave up a two-run homer to Profar in the first inning. —Miami Herald, 29 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French compiler, from Latin compilare to plunder

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

compile

verb

com·​pile kəm-ˈpīl 

compiled; compiling

1

: to collect into a volume or list

compile a book of poems

2

: to put together in a new form out of materials from other books or documents

compile a history of India

3

: to translate (as a computer program) with a compiler