collect

noun

col·lect | \ˈkä-likt also -ˌlekt

Definition of collect

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

collect

verb

col·lect | \kə-ˈlekt

collected; collecting; collects

Definition of collect (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1a : to bring together into one body or place

b : to gather or exact from a number of persons or sources collect taxes

c : to gather an accumulation of (objects) especially as a hobby collects stamps

2 : infer, deduce

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 objects

b : to receive payment collecting on the insurance

collect

adverb or adjective

col·lect | \kə-ˈlekt

Definition of collect (Entry 3 of 3)

: to be paid for by the receiver

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about collect

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Choose the Right Synonym for collect

Verb

gather, collect, assemble, congregate mean to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit. gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state. a crowd quickly gathered collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement. collected books on gardening assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose. experts assembled for a conference congregate implies a spontaneous flocking together into a crowd or huddle. congregating under a shelter

Examples of collect in a Sentence

Verb

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.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The standard cost of a call is $0.25 per minute if prepaid or $0.35 per minute for collect calls. — Don Behm, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee County inmates offered a free 5-minute phone call home on Mother's Day," 12 May 2018 Forget the collect-a-thon bloat of series like Donkey Kong Country and Banjo-Kazooie. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Celeste review: With amazing twists, this 2D game reaches great heights," 25 Jan. 2018 Her phone bill was ridiculous from all my collect calls. — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE.com, "Gucci Mane on His Troubled Relationship with Keyshia Ka’oir Before Their Romantic Wedding," 19 Oct. 2017 Last year, an inmate and his mom sued the county, claiming its jailhouse phone rates were still too high at $4 flat for local collect calls and 50 cents per minute for local calls charged on a debit card. — Jordan Graham, Orange County Register, "Orange County ends jail contract amid accusations of overcharging inmates’ families to send money," 15 Mar. 2017

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

On June 21st America’s Supreme Court ruled that online retailers would finally have to start collecting sales tax themselves. — The Economist, "Amazon wins from a Supreme Court ruling," 10 July 2018 Officials also agreed to increase social services spending, improve infrastructure and do a better job of collecting taxes. — Amanda Erickson, Anchorage Daily News, "Unrest in Haiti leaves dozens of American church groups stranded and unable to leave," 9 July 2018 The treasurer’s office once had extensive powers, including collecting taxes and depositing checks, but Republicans have spent years weakening the position. — Todd Richmond, The Seattle Times, "Bank fires Wisconsin candidate who wouldn’t quit race," 9 July 2018 North Korea likely won’t give up its nuclear weapons program US intelligence has continued to collect information even after the Trump-Kim summit last month. — Alex Ward, Vox, "Let’s just say it looks like North Korea is lying about giving up its nukes.," 2 July 2018 Anderson's team continues to collect data and hopes to make the app more accurate by asking parents to get specific about what certain sounds mean. — CBS News, "ChatterBaby app could help parents figure out why their baby is crying," 28 June 2018 The states in the compact also compensate merchants for the expense of collecting the sales tax. — Hiawatha Bray, BostonGlobe.com, "Online tax bills are hugely complicated — more than you ever knew — and small firms are finding that out," 25 June 2018 Short-term vacation rentals also would have to be registered with the state Department of Revenue and collect Seminole’s 5-percent tourist development tax. — Martin E. Comas, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Seminole looks at rules for Airbnb, other short-term rentals in neighborhoods," 25 June 2018 In 2015, the County Council changed the pension rules to allow the spouse of an officer killed in the line of duty to continue collecting pension benefits even after remarrying. — Alison Knezevich, baltimoresun.com, "Baltimore Co. officer's widow sues over pension benefits," 22 June 2018

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

History and Etymology for collect

Noun

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

Verb

Latin collectus, past participle of colligere to collect, from com- + legere to gather — more at legend

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