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

• anthologize
• 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

Degrees in engineering, math and computers, and business and economics provide the largest annual return, according to data compiled by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 10 May 2025

First Step taught Thomas how to compile a resume and put on his best face during an interview. —Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2025

One Arlington restaurant was temporarily closed and another failed in the city’s latest round of health inspections, according to city records compiled by the Star-Telegram. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 May 2025

Here’s how Uber did versus analysts’ estimates compiled by LSEG: Earnings per share: 83 cents vs. 50 cents expected. —Lora Kolodny,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 7 May 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