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

• 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

Through the first six weeks of the 2025 NFL season, the Jets have compiled an 0-6 record. —Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025

Schweitzer compiled eight kills, three blocks and an ace. —Kristina Banahan, Boston Herald, 17 Oct. 2025

After compiling a list of the best places to see Northern Lights in the country, the airline’s researchers examined how often hashtags related to each location were used on TikTok. —Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025

The list of donut types included in the analysis was compiled from expert roundups by Thrillist and Tasting Table, ensuring a mix of classic favorites and trendy treats. —Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025

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