collect

1 of 3

noun

col·​lect ˈkä-likt 

 also  -ˌlekt

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

2 of 3

verb

col·​lect kə-ˈlekt 

collected; collecting; collects

transitive verb

1

a

: 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

2

a

: to collect objects

b

: to receive payment

collecting on the insurance

collect

3 of 3

adverb or adjective

col·​lect kə-ˈlekt 

: to be paid for by the receiver

Synonyms

Verb

• contain
• compose

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

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

Interest in USOs is growing as databases like Enigma collect and visualize reports, prompting scientists and defense experts to take a closer look. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

Volunteers with Clean Vibes collect and dispose of waste. —Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Sep. 2025

Verb

In May 2016, police collected DNA evidence from Clay after he was arrested on separate theft charges. —Kelsey Lentz, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025

Municipal waste and recycling collected from homes and businesses in the area are received by the transfer station and temporarily stored in separate bays before recycling is moved to one of WM’s recycling facilities for processing. —Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 29 Oct. 2025

Adverb or adjective

The octogenarian monetarist, who knew the value a dollar from all angles, would phone back collect. —Shawn Tully, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English collecte, collet, borrowed from Anglo-French collecte, borrowed from Medieval Latin collēcta, perhaps going back to Late Latin, in sense "gathering place, assembly" (assuming the original reference was to ōrātiō ad collēctam, a prayer recited at the congregation's gathering place), going back to Latin, feminine of collēctus, past participle of colligere "to gather together, assemble, accumulate" — more at collect entry 2

Verb

Middle English collecten "to accumulate, infer, calculate," borrowed from Anglo-French collecter, borrowed from Latin collēctus, past participle of colligere "to gather together, assemble, accumulate, pull (oneself) together," from col-, assimilated variant of com- com- + legere "to gather by picking or plucking, select, choose" — more at legend

Adverb or adjective

derivative of collect entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1563, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Adverb Or Adjective

1893, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing collect

• collect up
• re-collect

Rhymes for collect

• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct
• dissect
• effect
• eject

Kids Definition

collect

1 of 3 noun

col·​lect ˈkäl-ikt 

 also  -ˌekt

: an opening prayer in the Communion service or the Mass

collect

2 of 3 verb

col·​lect kə-ˈlekt 

1

a

: to bring or come together into one body or place

b

: to gather from a number of sources

collect stamps

2

: to gain or regain control of

collecting my thoughts

3

: to demand and take payment for

collect a bill

4

: to form in a heap or mass : accumulate

junk collecting in the attic

collectible adjective

or collectable

kə-ˈlek-tə-bəl

collect

3 of 3 adverb or adjective

col·​lect kə-ˈlekt 

: to be paid for by the receiver

a collect phone call

call collect

Etymology

Noun

Middle English collecte "prayer," from early French collecte (same meaning), from Latin collecta "prayer, collect," shortened form of oratio ad collectam "prayer upon assembly," derived from earlier collectus "collected," derived from colligere "to gather together," from col-, com- "together" and legere "to gather" — related to legend

Verb

from Latin collectus "collected," from colligere "to gather together," from col-, com- "together" and legere "to gather" — related to legend