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

He’s compiled a 3-2-0 record with a .930 save percentage since the Finnish team was initially selected. —Chris Johnston, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025

Cano, 30, was an all-star in 2023 as Bautista’s main setup man, compiling a 2.11 ERA with eight saves and 31 holds in 72 appearances. —Chuck Murr, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

The results beat a company compiled analyst consensus, Reuters reported. —Karen Gilchrist,sophie Kiderlin,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2025

In Chinatown, Baker’s Bench opened for business on Thursday with a self-serve, pay-what-you-can model, with staff compiling activity packs for children. —Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

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