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 of compile

• 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

Blogic compiled its ranking by analyzing how many restaurants in each city stay open past midnight, and how well diners rated their meals. — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026

Luwi wanted to compile the villagers’ memories into a report, creating an archive of his own. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026

Many of its strikes have focused on four key categories of targets, according to an Associated Press analysis of hundreds of Ukrainian attacks this year — compiled from statements by Russian officials and state media and the Ukrainian military. — Emma Burrows, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026

The information at Stammen’s fingertips is beyond what any of us on the outside can possibly compile or fully understand. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for compile

• argyle
• awhile
• beguile
• condyle
• defile
• erstwhile
• exile
• freestyle
• gentile
• hairstyle
• lifestyle
• meanwhile

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