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

Since the call in March, investigators have compiled several complaints about how the sisters cared for their parents. —Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. —Ian Cummings, Kansas City Star, 8 June 2026

Bouncy Glow Lip Balm for testing, then contributing writer Jessie Quinn compiled their insights for this review. —Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 8 June 2026

Using web searches and public records, data analyst Phoebe Quinton compiled information on hundreds of such businesses. —Carrie Teegardin, AJC.com, 8 June 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