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

The bad news is these hackers did indeed collect personal user data from 29 million of those 30 million accounts, Facebook says. — Kurt Wagner, Recode, "Facebook’s massive security hack was smaller than reported, but 29 million people still had their personal info stolen," 12 Oct. 2018 Tacos Guaymas on 38th Street in Tacoma was one restaurant contacted by the person trying to collect cash. — Sue Kidd, The Seattle Times, "‘He wanted cash’: Fake health inspector scams Tacoma restaurants," 2 Sep. 2018 Even with the session key, wiretappers would still need to collect a full copy of the encrypted call, which can be a significant challenge. — Russell Brandom, The Verge, "Facebook’s encryption fight will be harder than San Bernardino," 20 Aug. 2018 America's largest retailer has patented surveillance technology that could essentially spy on cashiers and customers by collecting audio data in stores. — Jason Silverstein, CBS News, "Walmart patents audio surveillance technology to record customers and employees," 13 July 2018 The app collects data and provides coaching so people can better self manage, the company said. — Meredith Cohn, baltimoresun.com, "WellDoc adds hypertension to diabetes management app," 9 July 2018 The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum said Friday that documents indicate Anne's father Otto tried twice to collect the papers needed to obtain visas for the United States. — NBC News, "Anne Frank's family tried to escape to U.S. but hit immigration roadblocks," 6 July 2018 The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam and the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum said Friday that documents indicate Anne’s father Otto tried twice to collect the papers needed to obtain visas for the United States. — Washington Post, "Anne Frank’s family tried to escape to US, hit roadblocks," 6 July 2018 Members of the public can download the Globe Observer app and collect data this summer using the Mosquito Habitat Mapper tool. — Alex Stuckey, Houston Chronicle, "NASA is building models to predict mosquito-borne illnesses and you can help them do it," 3 July 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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