combine

verb com·bine \ kəm-ˈbīn \

Definition of combine

combined; combining

transitive verb

1 a : to bring into such close relationship as to obscure individual characters : merge

two companies combining forces

b : to cause to unite into a chemical compound

combining hydrofluoric acid with soda ash to form sodium fluoride

c : to unite into a single number or expression

Combine fractions and simplify.

2 : intermix, blend

Combine the sugar and flour.

3 : to possess in combination

a writer whose works combine imagination and scholarship

intransitive verb

1 a : to become one

The two newspapers combined as the Chronicle.

b : to unite to form a chemical compound

2 : to act together

Many factors combined to cause the recession.

Wolves combine in their hunt for deer.

—

combinable

play \kəm-ˈbī-nə-bəl\ adjective

—

combiner

noun

Origin and Etymology of combine

Middle English, from Middle French combiner, from Late Latin combinare, from Latin com- + bini two by two — more at bin-

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of combine

join, combine, unite, connect, link, associate, relate mean to bring or come together into some manner of union. join implies a bringing into contact or conjunction of any degree of closeness.

- joined forces in an effort to win

combine implies some merging or mingling with corresponding loss of identity of each unit.

- combined jazz and rock to create a new music

unite implies somewhat greater loss of separate identity.

- the colonies united to form a republic

connect suggests a loose or external attachment with little or no loss of identity.

- a mutual defense treaty connected the two nations

link may imply strong connection or inseparability of elements still retaining identity.

- a name forever linked with liberty

associate stresses the mere fact of frequent occurrence or existence together in space or in logical relation.

- opera is popularly associated with high society

relate suggests the existence of a real or presumed logical connection.

- related what he observed to what he already knew

combine

noun com·bine \ ˈkäm-ˌbīn \

Definition of combine

plural combines

1 a : a combination especially of business or political interests

… Grumman Corp. lost the advanced tactical aircraft contract to the combine of McDonnell Douglas and General Dynamics.
—George J. Church

b : an event at which scouts from the teams in a professional sports league gather to evaluate players in preparation for choosing which players to draft

a scouting combine

Every spring the National Football League conducts that most cherished of American rituals, the college draft. A couple of months before the event, prospective players show off their abilities in an athletic audition known as the combine.
—Carl Zimmer

2 : a harvesting machine that heads, threshes, and cleans grain while moving over a field

See combine defined for English-language learners

Examples of combine in a Sentence

The teams belong to a combine that scouts new players.
charged that the cable companies had formed an illegal combine for the purpose of keeping rates artificially high

Origin and Etymology of combine

see ¹combine

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1886

See Words from the same year

combine Synonyms

Synonyms

alliance, axis, bloc, block, coalition, combination, confederacy, confederation, federation, league, union;

Related Words

cabal, conspiracy, junto;

cartel, syndicate, trust;

faction, front, fusion, side, wing;

association, group, organization;

affiliation, cooperative, partnership;

circuit, conference;

combine

verb com·bine \ ˈkäm-ˌbīn \

Definition of combine

combined; combining

transitive verb

: to harvest with a combine

intransitive verb

: to combine a crop

First Known Use of combine

1926

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

COMBINE Defined for English Language Learners

combine

noun

Definition of combine for English Language Learners

: a group of people or organizations that work together
: a machine that cuts crops (such as corn or wheat) and separates the seeds of the plant from the rest of the plant

COMBINE Defined for Kids

combine

verb com·bine \ käm-ˈbīn \

Definition of combine for Students

combined; combining

1 : to mix together so as to make or to seem one thing

Combine the ingredients in a large bowl.

2 : to be or cause to be together for a purpose

The two groups combined to work for reform.

combine

noun com·bine \ ˈkäm-ˌbīn \

Definition of combine for Students

1 : a union of persons or groups that work together to achieve a common goal

2 : a machine that harvests and threshes grain

Medical Dictionary

combine

verb com·bine \ kəm-ˈbīn \

medical Definition of combine

combined; combining

transitive verb

: to cause to unite into a chemical compound

intransitive verb

: to unite to form a chemical compound

—

combination

play \ˌkäm-bə-ˈnā-shən\ noun

Learn More about combine

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for combine Spanish Central: Translation of combine Nglish: Translation of combine for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of combine for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about combine

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up combine? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

combine

Definition of combine

combinable

combiner

Origin and Etymology of combine

Synonym Discussion of combine

combine

Definition of combine

Examples of combine in a Sentence

Origin and Etymology of combine

combine Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

combine

Definition of combine

First Known Use of combine

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

Phrases Related to COMBINE

Related Phrases

COMBINE Defined for English Language Learners

combine

Definition of combine for English Language Learners

COMBINE Defined for Kids

combine

Definition of combine for Students

combine

Definition of combine for Students

Medical Dictionary

combine

medical Definition of combine

combination

Learn More about combine

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

'Preventive' or 'Preventative'?

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

Trending: Trump: Den of Thieves and 'Lowlifes'

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes