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

Roberts compiled a 36-49 record with Los Angeles after being hired ahead of the 2025 season after nearly a decade leading the women’s basketball program at Utah. — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026

The code has to compile, the build has to boot and the art, story and mechanics have to agree with one another. — Vatsal Bhardwaj, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026

The value of open box-trade loans on S&P 500 options hit an all-time high of $146 billion last Friday, according to Cboe Global Markets data compiled for CNBC. — Oliver Renick, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2026

During his first three seasons in the league, the 24-year-old dual threat has compiled nearly 4,500 scrimmage yards and 35 touchdowns. — Kansas City Star, 24 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