collate

verb

Save Word

col·late | \ kə-ˈlāt

, kä-, kō-; ˈkä-ˌlāt, ˈkō- \

collated; collating

Definition of collate

transitive verb

1a : 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

2a : 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

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from collate Choose the Right Synonym What does it mean to collate in a printing or copying context? Example Sentences Learn More About collate

Keep scrolling for more

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

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.

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web The spreadsheet program was a huge selling point for IBM PCs, letting users collate and compare data faster and more efficiently than ever before. — PCMAG, 4 May 2022 While variations occur, my company's research has helped collate a list of four personality traits that tend to be associated with the most successful remote employees. — Jonathan Keyser, Forbes, 17 May 2021 Exact comparison of investment between regions is not very straightforward, as different metrics are used by data sources to collate these figures. — Alexander Onukwue, Quartz, 11 Feb. 2022 Collecting data on the number of death certificates which mention Covid-19 as a contributing cause is more precise, but takes longer to collate. — Denise Roland, WSJ, 10 Feb. 2022 Investigators at Cedars-Sinai are seeking patients for the Smidt Heart Institute Takotsubo Registry to collate data that will help deepen their understanding of the condition. — Serena Coady, SELF, 9 Feb. 2022 Allow at least five to 10 hours (depending on the award size) to write your submission and collate your supporting documentation. — Annette Densham, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2021 Our data team partnered with staff at the Children's Hospital Association to pull together state-level data about kids and COVID and collate that into one place. — Erin Richards, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2021 But in 2014, the labs that use it came up with the idea of creating a database to collate as many doubly labeled water measurements as possible from the past 40 years. — New York Times, 14 Sep. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'collate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More About collate

Dictionary Entries Near collate

collat

collate

collated

Statistics for collate

Last Updated

12 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Collate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collate. Accessed 22 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for collate

collate

verb

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

collated; collating

Legal Definition of collate

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