compile
verb
com·pile
kəm-ˈpī(-ə)l 
compiled; compiling
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
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
In March, Miami-Dade County commissioners delayed choosing a site for an incinerator and approved compiling a report on a range of options for trash disposal, including zero-waste initiatives and landfilling.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2025
Before the attacks, Boelter compiled a list of mostly Democratic state lawmakers and their addresses, disguised his SUV to look like a police squad car, and purchased a silicone mask and a cache of weapons, according to the affidavit.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 27 June 2025
To compile this list of the best percale sheets, Kathleen spoke to Saana Baker, a textile expert in San Francisco, California.
—Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
The survey looked at a variety of factors including safety, affordability, and even the return rate of digital nomads to compile their list.
—Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for compile
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Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 27 June 2025
Before the attacks, Boelter compiled a list of mostly Democratic state lawmakers and their addresses, disguised his SUV to look like a police squad car, and purchased a silicone mask and a cache of weapons, according to the affidavit.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 27 June 2025
To compile this list of the best percale sheets, Kathleen spoke to Saana Baker, a textile expert in San Francisco, California.
—Kathleen Felton, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
The survey looked at a variety of factors including safety, affordability, and even the return rate of digital nomads to compile their list.
—Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for compile
Cite this Entry
“Compile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compile. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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