collector

noun

col·​lec·​tor kə-ˈlek-tər How to pronounce collector (audio)
: 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
collectorship noun

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 on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The wall text dutifully mentions the seizure of these works, which made their way to collectors such as Nelson Rockefeller through the international marketplace. Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 30 June 2025 Experience The New Museum of Costume Jewelry Founded by local collector Sharon Ryback, the Museum of Costume Jewelry showcases over 300 pieces of 20th-century costume jewelry. Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 29 June 2025 On the other there is costume and jewelry historian Odile Pascal, a lifelong collector of traditional Arlesian costumes, whose passion was shared with her mother Magali. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 28 June 2025 There are things that a consumer, especially a collector, would care about. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for collector

Word History

Etymology

Middle English collectour, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin collēctōr-, collēctor, from colleg-, variant stem of colligere "to gather together, assemble, accumulate" + -tōr-, -tor, agent suffix — more at collect entry 2

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of collector was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Collector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collector. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

collector

noun
col·​lec·​tor kə-ˈlek-tər How to pronounce collector (audio)
1
: a person whose job is to collect money due
tax collector
bill collector
2
: one that makes a collection
stamp collector
3
: an object or device that collects
the ornament was just a dust collector

More from Merriam-Webster on collector

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