collate

verb

col·​late kə-ˈlāt 

kä-,

kō-;

ˈkä-ˌlāt,

ˈkō-

collated; collating

transitive verb

1

a

: to compare critically

b

: to collect, compare carefully in order to verify, and often to integrate or arrange in order

collated the data for publication

2

a

: to assemble in proper order

especially : to assemble in order for binding

collate printed sheets

b

: to verify the order of (printed sheets)

3

[Latin collatus, past participle] : to institute (a cleric) to a benefice

collator

kə-ˈlā-tər 

kä-

kō-;

ˈkä-ˌlā-

ˈkō-

noun

Did you know?

What does it mean to collate in a printing or copying context?

In terms of printing or copying, collating refers to putting printed sheets or photocopies in proper order, especially for binding. When you're printing or photocopying something and you're only printing or making one copy, you don't need to address the idea of collation at all. But if you're printing or making multiple copies of multi-page documents, you might want the printer or photocopier to collate the pages.

If you select the "collate" option, the documents that emerge all nicely printed or copied will have their pages in order already; you'll have a stack of documents all ready to go. If you choose not to collate the documents, you'll have a stack with all the first pages together, all the second pages together, all the third pages together, etc., and you'll have to assemble each document by hand. Collating, then, can save a lot of time.

Choose the Right Synonym for collate

compare, contrast, collate mean to set side by side in order to show differences and likenesses.

compare implies an aim of showing relative values or excellences by bringing out characteristic qualities whether similar or divergent.

compared the convention facilities of the two cities

contrast implies an emphasis on differences.

contrasted the computerized system with the old filing cards

collate implies minute and critical inspection in order to note points of agreement or divergence.

data from districts around the country will be collated

Examples of collate in a Sentence

The invisible part of the work of such a writer is collating and organizing all the research material, which is a slow, painstaking task that many writers skip or abbreviate. —Nicholas LeMann, New Republic, 2 Sept. 2002

Rare-book dealers use the word "collating" to mean going through a book page by page when it arrives to make certain that it is complete … —Calvin Trillin, New Yorker, 30 Oct. 1989

"Certainly," Kidson said. " … we need to have him on our side and cooperating every step of the road after we've collated all the information." —Evelyn Anthony, The Defector, (1981) 1982

And here have I, as before observed, carefully collected, collated and arranged them … —Washington Irving, A History of New York, 1809

They are still collating the data.

The photocopier will collate the pages of the report.

Recent Examples on the Web

Thank you to the governor for collating and publishing the information and to Attorney General Phil Weiser for spearheading lawsuits that have resulted in fewer cuts (at least thus far) than might have transpired. —Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 20 June 2025

The Trump administration has tapped Palantir, a company that specializes in using AI for data analytics, to collate and analyze data about Americans. —Christopher Ramezan, The Conversation, 12 June 2025

My design process always begins with lots of sketching and collating inspirational images. —Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

Next-gen, cloud-native technology can collate data to guide decision-making, pattern detection and crime fighting, which can enhance situational awareness in the field and proactive community response. —Matthew Polega, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from collation

First Known Use

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for collate

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Legal Definition

collate

verb

col·​late kə-ˈlāt, kä-, kō-; ˈkä-ˌlāt, ˈkō- 

collated; collating

transitive verb

in the civil law of Louisiana : to return to an estate for equal division

children or grandchildren, coming to the succession of their fathers, mothers or other ascendants, must collate what they have received

—Louisiana Civil Code

intransitive verb

in the civil law of Louisiana : to return property or legacies to an estate for division

shall then be obliged to collate up to the sum necessary

—Louisiana Civil Code

Etymology

back-formation from collation, from Latin collatio (bonorum) bringing together (of property) for distribution to heirs