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noun col·lect \ˈkä-likt also -ˌlekt\

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

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

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First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

collect

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verb col·lect \kə-ˈlekt\

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
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 objectsb : to receive payment collecting on the insurance

See collect defined for English-language learners

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.

Recent Examples of collect from the Web

Trail's red Jeep was parked about one block from Miglin's posh town home, collecting parking tickets, according to the Tribune report.

— marlena scott, Teen Vogue, "Gianni Versace's Murder, Explained", 6 July 2017
An examination at Bethesda North Hospital revealed trauma consistent with a sexual assault and Mason Police Department collected evidence from the scene at the time of the incident.

— sarah brookbank, Cincinnati.com, "Former Mason resident indicted on 'cold case' rape charges dating back to 2000", 6 July 2017
Hobby Lobby purchased the items for $1.6 million in December 2010, about a year after company founder David Green and his family began collecting ancient artifacts.

— margaret hartmann, Daily Intelligencer, "Hobby Lobby to Turn Over 5,500 Artifacts Smuggled Out of Iraq", 6 July 2017
While creditors can continue trying to collect out-of-statute debts, the McClanahans wouldn’t have faced the potential lawsuits, wage garnishment or bank account liens that can come from ignoring in-statute debt.

— liz weston, The Seattle Times, "Liz Weston: Free of debt – with regrets", 5 July 2017
The county was counting on $67.5 million to be collected through Nov. 30 via the tax on pop and other drinks.

— john byrne, chicagotribune.com, "Preckwinkle administration: Prepare for 10% budget cuts if soda tax stays on hold", 5 July 2017
Riding around Brooklyn in a Rolls-Royce, Trump’s mother, Mary, collected quarters from laundry rooms in various Trump buildings.

— marie brenner, The Hive, "How Donald Trump and Roy Cohn’s Ruthless Symbiosis Changed America", 4 July 2017
Torres, batting .375 since arriving from Class AAA Omaha, collected another hit and scored a run.

— rustin dodd, kansascity, "Royals take series from Twins, hit halfway point one game over .500", 2 July 2017
To arrive at their conclusion, the OPCW interviewed local witnesses, attended autopsies, and collected bio-medical samples of deceased victims, along with samples from the environment.

— aria bendix, The Atlantic, "Report Confirms Use of Chemical Weapons in Syrian Attack", 30 June 2017

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.

Origin and Etymology of collect

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

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First Known Use: 1563

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of collect

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

collect

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adverb or adjective col·lect \kə-ˈlekt\

Definition of collect

: to be paid for by the receiver

See collect defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of collect

1893

COLLECT Defined for English Language Learners

collect

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verb

Definition of collect for English Language Learners

: to get (things) from different places and bring them together
: to get (one or more things) from a place
: to get (similar things) and bring them together as a hobby

collect

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adjective

Definition of collect for English Language Learners

of a telephone call : paid for by the person who is receiving the call

COLLECT Defined for Kids

collect

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verb col·lect \kə-ˈlekt\

Definition of collect for Students

collected

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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