Definition of collect
1 : a short prayer comprising an invocation, petition, and conclusion; specifically, often capitalized : one preceding the eucharistic Epistle and varying with the day
2 : collection
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of collect
Middle English collecte, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin collecta (short for oratio ad collectam prayer upon assembly), from Late Latin, assembly, from Latin, assemblage, from feminine of collectus
First Known Use: 13th century
Definition of collect
transitive verb
1a : to bring together into one body or placeb : to gather or exact from a number of persons or sources collect taxesc : to gather an accumulation of (objects) especially as a hobby collects stamps
3 : to gain or regain control of collect his thoughts
4 : to claim as due and receive payment for
5 : to get and bring with one; specifically : pick up went to collect her at the train station
intransitive verb
1 : to come together in a band, group, or mass : gather
2a : to collect objectsb : to receive payment collecting on the insurance
Examples of collect in a Sentence
They hope to collect over 1,000 signatures on the petition.
He collected stories from all over the world.
They collected information about the community.
We collected soil samples from several areas on the site.
We collected our baggage from the baggage claim at the airport.
I left my suit at the cleaners and I have to collect it today.
She enjoys collecting antique teapots.
He has an impressive stamp collection, though he has been collecting for only a few years.
I took a minute to collect my thoughts.
Origin and Etymology of collect
Latin collectus, past participle of colligere to collect, from com- + legere to gather — more at legend
First Known Use: 1563
Synonym Discussion of collect
Definition of collect
: to be paid for by the receiver
1893
First Known Use of collect
1893
COLLECT Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of collect for English Language Learners
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: to get (things) from different places and bring them together
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: to get (one or more things) from a place
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: to get (similar things) and bring them together as a hobby
Definition of collect for English Language Learners
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of a telephone call : paid for by the person who is receiving the call
COLLECT Defined for Kids
collect
playDefinition of collect for Students
collected
;collecting
1 : to gather from a number of sources collect stamps She collected stories from all over the world.
2 : to receive payment for Our landlord is here to collect the rent money.
3 : to bring or come together into one body or place Our teacher collected our homework papers.
4 : to gain or regain control of After losing my way, I had to stop and collect my thoughts.
5 : to increase in amount Dust collected on the furniture.
6 : to get and bring He collected his easel … and set it up … — Richard Peck, A Year Down Yonder
Learn More about collect
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See words that rhyme with collect Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for collect Spanish Central: Translation of collect Nglish: Translation of collect for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of collect for Arabic speakers
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