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 measure specifically exempts pensions and most individual retirement accounts from the tax, with the exception of Roth IRA and other Roth-type accounts worth $10 million or more — a balance compiled almost exclusively by the 1%. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Which dog breeds tend to live the longest If longevity is the priority, a handful of smaller breeds routinely post the longest lifespans, according to breed data compiled by Reader’s Digest. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2026

Best Iowa Sportsbooks and Betting Apps We have done the work of compiling a list of some of the most popular sports betting apps in Iowa. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Advertisers are slated to exceed that mark to push their election messages, putting the campaign in contention to become the most expensive American election since at least 2018, according to data compiled by the media tracking firm AdImpact. — New York Times, 14 Oct. 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