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

With weddings being expensive — the average cost per guest is $284 in 2025, according to data compiled from The Knot — the bride and groom had to find a way to reduce their headcount. —Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025

With government data collection and reports under suspension because of the shutdown, the BLS compiled this report only because of its role as a benchmark for Social Security cost-of-living adjustments. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025

Here's a list of some possible viewing locations compiled by The Arizona Republic, a USA TODAY Network publication. —Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025

Blunt’s post quickly went viral and has compiled more than 200,000 likes on X. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 24 Oct. 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