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

Proactive planning not only preserves value but honors the collector’s true legacy. —Matthew F. Erskine, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

All in all, this record player is a succinct option for the beginner or intermediate vinyl collector who doesn't want to spend a fortune. —Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2025

Expect rare varieties, elaborate floral installations, and a marketplace for collectors and hobbyists alike. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2025

Deutsch was an avid art collector who inspired many clients to become art collectors as well, his daughter said. —Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025

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

Rhymes for collector

• bisector
• connector
• corrector
• defector
• deflector
• detector
• director
• dissector
• effector
• ejector
• elector
• erector

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