collector

noun

col·​lec·​tor kə-ˈlek-tər 

: 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

kə-ˈlek-tər-ˌship 

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

Items will be lent to the exhibition by King Charles III, U.K. and international museums and private collectors. —Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 16 Sep. 2024

The new collection also tops the U.K. Official Vinyl Albums Chart, solidifying its popularity among vinyl collectors and audiophiles alike. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 16 Sep. 2024

If Super7 decides to produce more waves of action figures beyond Bale’s character, there are plenty of stars from American Psycho whom collectors will recognize. —Tim Lammers, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024

Sotheby’s is known for its coveted collector’s items, from art, fashion, and jewelry to watches, wines, and spirits. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2024

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

Phrases Containing collector

• collector's item
• solar collector

Kids Definition

collector

noun

col·​lec·​tor kə-ˈlek-tər 

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