collection

noun

col·​lec·​tion kə-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce collection (audio)
1
: the act or process of collecting
the collection of data
the collection of taxes
2
a
: something collected
especially : an accumulation of objects gathered for study, comparison, or exhibition or as a hobby
a collection of poems
a collection of photographs
a baseball card collection
b
: group, aggregate
a collection of symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and joint pain
c
: a set of apparel designed for sale usually in a particular season
the designer's spring collection of dresses

Examples of collection in a Sentence

a system of tax collection The technology makes data collection easier. There will be a trash collection this week. The museum's collection is one of the best in the country. We took up a collection for the school renovations. Ten percent of the collection goes to the city's shelters for homeless people.
Recent Examples on the Web Looking at the full list, her collection expands to 55 total Latin pop radio hits. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024 When Chanel debuted its Sport collection of high-wattage jewels in Monaco earlier this year, the house wasn’t specific about what inspired the pieces. Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2024 The company has pivoted to a streaming-centric operation, spanning free and subscription platforms as well as streaming tech services and a top-tier collection of podcasts. Dade Hayes, Deadline, 19 Oct. 2024 However, the clause would also create a trigger that would’ve halted collection in the event of a successful jail measure. Tim Clouser | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for collection 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'collection.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English colleccioun, collection, borrowed from Anglo-French collection, borrowed from Latin collēctiōn-, collēctiō "bringing together, accumulation," from colleg-, variant stem of colligere "to gather together, assemble, accumulate, pull (oneself) together" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at collect entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of collection was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near collection

Cite this Entry

“Collection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collection. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

collection

noun
col·​lec·​tion kə-ˈlek-shən How to pronounce collection (audio)
1
: the act or process of collecting
2
a
: something collected
especially : an accumulation of objects gathered for study, comparison, or exhibition or as a hobby
3
: a gathering of money
take up a collection

More from Merriam-Webster on collection

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