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 first two paragraphs recalled the Holocaust, and noted that compiling a list of Jews as precedent thereto. —Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026

Both of these sites compile and sell data, primarily to investors and owners of short-term rentals and hotels. —Gidon Jakar, The Conversation, 5 Feb. 2026

That uncertainty sent insurance against a 10% drop in the Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 ETF soaring to the highest level since March 2020 relative to bets on a rally, data compiled by Bloomberg show. —Bernard Goyder, Fortune, 5 Feb. 2026

The Tribune requested additional documentation regarding the listening sessions via FOIA, such as meeting minutes and any feedback compiled as a result of the sessions. —Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Feb. 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