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

Pokémon card prices have surged 1,350% since 2020, according to an index compiled by Collectors, which owns card grading agency Professional Sports Authenticator, CNBC previously reported. — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2026

Residents in occupied Ukraine were forced to acquire Russian passports, which is how authorities are able to compile lists of voters. — Chris Massaro , Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 18 Sep. 2026

MuskDemis HassabisDario AmodeiSundar Pichai Whet Moser, Daniel Ajootian and the staff of the Morning newsletter compiled this week’s quiz. — New York Times, 18 Sep. 2026

The report was compiled by a team of independent investigators who analyzed satellite imagery, video and photos, information from credible organizations and experts, and conducted dozens of interviews both in and outside Iran. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 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