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

• 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

So much so that prices of goods overall in the US have risen relatively little since 2001, whereas services are now twice as expensive, based on official data compiled by the company. —Olesya Dmitracova, CNN Money, 9 July 2025

True, though Counsell did compile a 5.5 WAR with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2005, eighth among National League position players. —Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 July 2025

Five of the first 17 — Derek Jeter, Rodriguez, Adrian Beltré, Pujols and Cabrera — went on to compile 3,000 hits. —Dennis Lin, New York Times, 8 July 2025

The report compiled by the Star-Telegram contained data from June 22 to June 28 and the results of 69 inspections. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 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

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