collector

noun col·lec·tor \ kə-ˈlek-tər \

Definition of collector

:one that collects: such as

a :an official who collects funds or moneys

b :a person who makes a collection

stamp collector

c :an object or device that collects

the statuette was a dust collector

d :solar collector

—

collectorship

play \kə-ˈlek-tər-ˌship\ noun

See collector defined for English-language learners

See collector defined for kids

Examples of collector in a Sentence

He is an avid stamp collector.
The painting was purchased by a private collector.
The trash collectors came early today.

Recent Examples of collector from the Web

In those days, people ate the corn with their hands, said Lou Greenstein, a culinary historian and collector of more than 15,000 antique kitchen implements.

— maura judkis, chicagotribune.com, "Corn on the cob is simple food. Why are there so many gadgets to help us eat it?," 22 Aug. 2017
Specimen collectors watch the test subject consume the liquid, and the lab checks to see that the urine sample matches the marker taken.

— mark davis, kansascity, "Fake pee is trickling into drug tests, but there are ways to flush out the cheaters," 3 Aug. 2017
Priz's friend, Richard Benck, is a collector of antique tractors.

— bill bird, Naperville Sun, "At 60, Naperville's 'airpark' subdivision still flying," 15 July 2017
New character, new zone, new music, and a new trailer for this prequel DLC to one of the top 10 PC games of 2015: Superman Collectors, beware:

— hayden dingman, PCWorld, "This week in games: Logitech acquires Astro, Steam's getting a big redesign, and more," 14 July 2017
Debts will always be paid directly to IRS, not to the debt collector.

— Laurel Leader, "Bidding adieu to Father Jack Kennealy draws crowd [Montpelier/South Laurel]," 13 July 2017
In 1976, Baron Hans-Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, scion of Germany's Thyssen steel empire and one of the 20th century's most prominent art collectors, acquired it from New York gallery owner Stephen Hahn for $275,000.

— john wilkens, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Family's suit revived over Pissarro painting looted by the Nazis," 10 July 2017
Back in December 2010, the extremely Christian company spent $1.6 million on the goods — founder David Green is an avid collector of Biblical-era artifacts, most of which are meant to be stored in D.C.’s upcoming Museum of the Bible.

— gabriella paiella and jessica roy, The Cut, "This Week in Drama: Hobby Lobby Bought Smuggled Iraqi Artifacts, Chris Christie Went to the Beach, and Lena Dunham’s Abandoned-Dog Saga Continues," 7 July 2017
These shirts and dresses aren't pieces of art meant to be hung in a gallery, or, in special circumstances, purchased by a collector.

— robert newhouse, Teen Vogue, "Katya Dobrayakova Designs 'Ethnic Woman' Sweatshirt for Jungle Collection," 6 July 2017

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

First Known Use of collector

14th century

COLLECTOR Defined for English Language Learners

collector

noun

Definition of collector for English Language Learners

: a person who collects certain things as a hobby
: a person whose job is to collect something (such as trash or money)

COLLECTOR Defined for Kids

collector

noun col·lec·tor \ kə-ˈlek-tər \

Definition of collector for Students

1 :a person or thing that collects

stamp collector

2 :a person whose business it is to collect money

a bill collector

Learn More about collector

See words that rhyme with collector Spanish Central: Translation of collector Nglish: Translation of collector for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of collector for Arabic speakers

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collector

Definition of collector

collectorship

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COLLECTOR Defined for English Language Learners

collector

Definition of collector for English Language Learners

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collector

Definition of collector for Students

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collector

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collectorship

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