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

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. — Lillie Davidson. Produced With Ai Assistance, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026

Status Update is compiled and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. — Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 29 June 2026

The pool has been suffering from an algae bloom since at least June 16, as seen in photos compiled by USA TODAY. — James Powel, USA Today, 28 June 2026

America is preparing to celebrate its 250th birthday, and in tribute, this article compiles an unranked list of 250 of the greatest aspects of American sports, both past and present. — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 30 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