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

Recent Dallas restaurant inspections found six eateries with signs of roaches, according to city data compiled by the Star-Telegram. — Mary Ella Hastings july 7, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026

And after nearly two decades in the industry Goldfarb has compiled dozens that could fall into this vaunted subcategory. — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

This year, the outlet compiled its list with the help of 207,000 readers and their personal experiences with these destinations. — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Jones based his decision on a review of the case file compiled by state police investigators, according to a news release from the agency. — Grant Lancaster, Arkansas Online, 6 July 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