collect

1 of 3

noun

col·lect ˈkä-likt

also -ˌlekt

Synonyms of collect next

: a short prayer comprising an invocation, petition, and conclusion

specifically, often capitalized : one preceding the eucharistic Epistle and varying with the day

: collection

collect

2 of 3

verb

col·lect kə-ˈlekt

collected; collecting; collects

transitive verb

: to bring together into one body or place

: to gather or exact from a number of persons or sources

collect taxes

: to gather an accumulation of (objects) especially as a hobby

collects stamps

: infer, deduce

: to gain or regain control of

collect his thoughts

: to claim as due and receive payment for

: to get and bring with one

specifically : pick up

went to collect her at the train station

intransitive verb

: to come together in a band, group, or mass : gather

: to collect objects

: to receive payment

collecting on the insurance

collect

3 of 3

adverb or adjective

col·lect kə-ˈlekt

: to be paid for by the receiver

Choose the Right Synonym for collect

gather, collect, assemble, congregate mean to come or bring together into a group, mass, or unit.

gather is the most general term for bringing or coming together from a spread-out or scattered state.

a crowd quickly gathered

collect often implies careful selection or orderly arrangement.

collected books on gardening

assemble implies an ordered union or organization of persons or things often for a definite purpose.

experts assembled for a conference

congregate implies a spontaneous flocking together into a crowd or huddle.

congregating under a shelter

Examples of collect in a Sentence

Verb They hope to collect over 1,000 signatures on the petition. He collected stories from all over the world. They collected information about the community. We collected soil samples from several areas on the site. We collected our baggage from the baggage claim at the airport. I left my suit at the cleaners and I have to collect it today. She enjoys collecting antique teapots. He has an impressive stamp collection, though he has been collecting for only a few years. I took a minute to collect my thoughts.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Noun

As the evening air pulls downward, scent collects and pools in the lowest points of the landscape. —

Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024 On normal concrete roads, water pools and collects, with the stagnant water eventually damaging its various layers, and especially critical underlying ones, which bear vehicles’ heavy loads. —

Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 5 Oct. 2024

Verb

The filing also details ongoing legal proceedings with the Vivos Group, including arbitration awards and the appointment of a receiver to collect damages. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024 In October, cities such as Newark, New Jersey; Wilmington, Delaware; and Norfolk, Virginia, recorded no rain at all, according to the Southeast Regional Climate Center, which collects precipitation data across the country. —

Melissa Chan, NBC News, 13 Nov. 2024

Adverb or adjective

The octogenarian monetarist, who knew the value a dollar from all angles, would phone back collect. —

Shawn Tully, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2021 See all Example Sentences for collect

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English collecte, collet, borrowed from Anglo-French collecte, borrowed from Medieval Latin collēcta, perhaps going back to Late Latin, in sense "gathering place, assembly" (assuming the original reference was to ōrātiō ad collēctam, a prayer recited at the congregation's gathering place), going back to Latin, feminine of collēctus, past participle of colligere "to gather together, assemble, accumulate" — more at collect entry 2

Verb

Middle English collecten "to accumulate, infer, calculate," borrowed from Anglo-French collecter, borrowed from Latin collēctus, past participle of colligere "to gather together, assemble, accumulate, pull (oneself) together," from col-, assimilated variant of com- com- + legere "to gather by picking or plucking, select, choose" — more at legend

Adverb or adjective

derivative of collect entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1563, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Adverb Or Adjective

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of collect was in the 13th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Collect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collect. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

collect

1 of 3 noun

col·lect ˈkäl-ikt

also -ˌekt

: an opening prayer in the Communion service or the Mass

collect

2 of 3 verb

col·lect kə-ˈlekt

: to bring or come together into one body or place

: to gather from a number of sources

collect stamps

: to gain or regain control of

collecting my thoughts

: to demand and take payment for

collect a bill

: to form in a heap or mass : accumulate

junk collecting in the attic

collectible adjective

or collectable

kə-ˈlek-tə-bəl

collect

3 of 3 adverb or adjective

col·lect kə-ˈlekt

: to be paid for by the receiver

a collect phone call

call collect

Etymology

Noun

Middle English collecte "prayer," from early French collecte (same meaning), from Latin collecta "prayer, collect," shortened form of oratio ad collectam "prayer upon assembly," derived from earlier collectus "collected," derived from colligere "to gather together," from col-, com- "together" and legere "to gather" — related to legend

Verb

from Latin collectus "collected," from colligere "to gather together," from col-, com- "together" and legere "to gather" — related to legend

Last Updated: 18 Nov 2024 - Updated example sentences

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collect

noun

verb

adverb or adjective

Synonyms

Examples of collect in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near collect

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition