compiler

noun

com·​pil·​er kəm-ˈpī-lər 

1

: one that compiles

2

: a computer program that translates an entire set of instructions written in a higher-level symbolic language (such as C) into machine language before the instructions can be executed

Examples of compiler in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Because those same people—I can pretty much guarantee—100 percent of their code is written by compilers. — Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2026

The researchers optimized the algorithm alongside the compiler, hardware architecture, and error-correction system. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026

Every one of those bets now looks like consensus, and at ModCon the company showed a production platform, a public cloud, an open compiler and six chip vendors to back it up. — Patrick Moorhead, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

More of a stat compiler than outright league winner, this scoop of Steel City oatmeal should nourish our rosters, as long as the Pirates remain near the top of MLB's scoring leaderboard. — John Laghezza, New York Times, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for compiler

• profiler
• filer
• pilar
• theiler

Kids Definition

compiler

noun

com·​pil·​er kəm-ˈpī-lər 

1

: one that compiles

2

: a computer program that automatically translates an entire set of instructions written in a computer programming language (as BASIC) into machine language