verb

compile

kuhm-PYL

verb

To gather information or material from various sources and put it together.

"The researchers compiled data from hundreds of surveys."

"He compiled a list of every restaurant in town."

To use software to convert programming code into a form a computer can execute.

"The code wouldn't compile because of a syntax error."

How to Use Compile

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo collect and combine pieces of information, or (in computing) to convert code into a runnable program.

Common pairings

compile a list compile data compile code

compiled past tense, compiles plural, compiles singular

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The researchers _____ data from hundreds of surveys.

From Old French compiler, from Latin compilare, "to plunder" or "to pile together."

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