combine

1 of 3

verb (1)

com·​bine kəm-ˈbīn How to pronounce combine (audio)
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 adjective
combiner noun

combine

2 of 3

noun

com·​bine ˈkäm-ˌbīn How to pronounce combine (audio)
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

combine

3 of 3

verb (2)

com·​bine ˈkäm-ˌbīn How to pronounce combine (audio)
combined; combining

transitive verb

: to harvest with a combine

intransitive verb

: to combine a crop
Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Examples of combine in a Sentence

Noun 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
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Inspired by the traditional treat, Blue Bell’s new Gooey Butter Cake features its Cake Batter Ice Cream combined with a luscious cream cheese swirl and rich, gooey butter cake pieces. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 18 Mar. 2024 Her attention to detail, combined with a high level of intelligence, sets her apart as a dancer and artist. Heide Janssen, Orange County Register, 17 Mar. 2024 Aiming to amass an army of over 10,000 devoted followers, the brand has shattered expectations, combining high style with accessible price points. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024 Pal had 10 points after scoring seven in his previous three games combined. Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2024 The Irish have a way of combining high-brow ideas with belly laughs. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2024 Stir the psyllium husk in a bowl along with the liquid from your recipe until combined. Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 15 Mar. 2024 Mayors want answers The elimination of the rent sales tax, combined with former Republican Gov. Doug Ducey's flat tax, has drastically reduced cities' revenues. Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 15 Mar. 2024 Yet Designers agree that grunge coquette, like other styles that combine opposing elements (fairy grunge, dark Americana, and more) showcases the desire people have to unapologetically express themselves through decor. Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2024
Noun
The new treat combine's Wendy’s vanilla Frosty with orange cream. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024 The wide receivers available could be enticing with an early pick The 40-yard dash is always the highlight of the combine testing and the wide receivers once again put on a show. Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024 Maryland football will send four players to the 2024 NFL scouting combine, which will be held Feb. 26 to March 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. C.j. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2024 Perhaps the billionaire Bainum’s hotel combine has compelling arguments that aren’t obvious to industry observers. John Fund, National Review, 13 Feb. 2024 There’s plastic, too, but the ease of the adjustable seating configurations and overall interior design combine to give the vehicle top-line feel. James Raia, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2024 People in those communities see wheat and corn and soy being grown, see combines and grain bins, and know there’s money for farmers and taxes for their communities. Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 4 Feb. 2024 Alt cemented his elite status at the combine in Indy. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 Miami met at the combine with Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson, a popular mock draft pick. Daniel Oyefusi, Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'combine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb (1) and Noun

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

First Known Use

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Noun

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb (2)

1926, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of combine was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near combine

Cite this Entry

“Combine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combine. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

combine

1 of 2 verb
com·​bine kəm-ˈbīn How to pronounce combine (audio)
combined; combining
1
: to bring into close relationship : unify
2
: to mix together so that the identity of each part is lost
combine the ingredients of a recipe
3
a
: to become one
b
: to unite to form a chemical compound
combinable adjective
combiner noun

combine

2 of 2 noun
com·​bine ˈkäm-ˌbīn How to pronounce combine (audio)
1
: a union of persons or groups especially for business or political benefits
2
: a machine that harvests, threshes, and cleans grain while moving over a field

Medical Definition

combine

verb
com·​bine kəm-ˈbīn How to pronounce combine (audio)
combined; combining

transitive verb

: to cause to unite into a chemical compound

intransitive verb

: to unite to form a chemical compound
combination noun

More from Merriam-Webster on combine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!