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

Elsewhere, German autos giant BMW said Thursday that net profit for 2025 exceeded 7 billion euros, slightly above the consensus estimate compiled by LSEG. —Chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026

As compiled by Gnostics, who consider the material world to be a fundamentally terrible place. —Jay Martel, New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2026

Frank Nazar has put his skills on full display in the last four games, compiling six points, including scoring the overtime game-winner Monday against the Utah Mammoth. —Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

Sean also produced last year’s box set, Power to the People, which compiled audio from the concerts. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 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