compile

verb

com·​pile kəm-ˈpī(-ə)l 

compiled; compiling

transitive verb

1

: to compose out of materials from other documents

compile a statistical chart

2

: to collect and edit into a volume

compile a book of poems

3

: to build up gradually

compiled a record of four wins and two losses

4

: to run (something, such as a program) through a compiler

Synonyms of compile

• collect

Examples of compile in a Sentence

He compiled a book of poems.

She compiled a list of names.

They took the best submissions and compiled them in a single issue of the magazine.

We compiled our findings in the report.

Recent Examples on the Web

The list is compiled based on the votes of the 50 Best Restaurants Academy, which is comprised of more than 1,100 international restaurant industry experts, representing 28 regions around the world. — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026

Reeves was also the head coach of the Giants from 1993-96 — between longer stints with the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons — and compiled a career record of 201-174-2 over 23 seasons. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 5 Nov. 2026

Witt has compiled at least 150 hits in five seasons and this week was also named an AL MVP finalist. — Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2026

Nationally, early in-person and mail-in voters cast 34% more ballots compared to the last midterm general elections in 2022, according to the latest data compiled by the University of Florida's Election Lab. — Miles Parks, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French compiler, from Latin compilare to plunder

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for compile

• argyle
• awhile
• beguile
• condyle
• defile
• erstwhile
• exile
• freestyle
• gentile
• hairstyle
• lifestyle
• meanwhile

Kids Definition

compile

verb

com·​pile kəm-ˈpīl 

compiled; compiling

1

: to collect into a volume or list

compile a book of poems

2

: to put together in a new form out of materials from other books or documents

compile a history of India

3

: to translate (as a computer program) with a compiler