First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1collect
noun col·lect \ˈkä-likt also -ˌlekt\
Definition of COLLECT
1
: a short prayer comprising an invocation, petition, and conclusion; specifically often capitalized : one preceding the eucharistic Epistle and varying with the day
2
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Origin of COLLECT
Middle English collecte, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin collecta (short for oratio ad collectam prayer upon assembly), from Late Latin, assembly, from Latin, assemblage, from feminine of collectus
Rhymes with COLLECT
abject, advect, affect, aspect, bisect, cathect, confect, connect, convect, correct, cowl-necked, defect, deflect, deject, detect, direct, Dordrecht, effect, eject, elect, erect, ewe-necked, expect, goosenecked, infect, inflect, inject, insect, inspect, neglect, object, pandect, porrect, prefect, prelect, project, prospect, protect, refect, reflect, reject, resect, respect, ring-necked, roll-necked, select, stiff-necked, subject, suspect, traject, transect, trisect, Utrecht, V-necked
2collect
verb col·lect \kə-ˈlekt\
: to get (things) from different places and bring them together
: to get (one or more things) from a place
: to get (similar things) and bring them together as a hobby
Full Definition of COLLECT
transitive verb
1
a : to bring together into one body or place b : to gather or exact from a number of persons or sources <collect taxes> c : to gather an accumulation of (objects) especially as a hobby <collects stamps>
3
: to gain or regain control of <collect his thoughts>
4
: to claim as due and receive payment for
5
: to get and bring with one; specifically : pick up <went to collect her at the train station>
intransitive verb
1
: to come together in a band, group, or mass : gather
2
a : to collect objects b : to receive payment <collecting on the insurance>
See collect defined for English-language learners
Origin of COLLECT
Latin collectus, past participle of colligere to collect, from com- + legere to gather — more at legend
First Known Use: 1563
Related to COLLECT
Synonym Discussion of 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>.
3collect
adverb or adjective col·lect \kə-ˈlekt\
of a telephone call : paid for by the person who is receiving the call
Full Definition of COLLECT
: to be paid for by the receiver
See collect defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of COLLECT
1893
COLLECT Defined for Kids
collect
verb col·lect \kə-ˈlekt\
col·lect·edcol·lect·ing
Definition of COLLECT for Kids
1
: to gather from a number of sources <collect stamps> <She collected stories from all over the world.>
2
: to receive payment for <Our landlord is here to collect the rent money.>
3
: to bring or come together into one body or place <Our teacher collected our homework papers.>
4
: to gain or regain control of <After losing my way, I had to stop and collect my thoughts.>
5
: to increase in amount <Dust collected on the furniture.>
6
: to get and bring <He collected his easel … and set it up … — Richard Peck, A Year Down Yonder>
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