DictionaryAI

compile

Saykuhm-PYLUS · UK/kəmˈpaɪl/AUS/kəmˈpɑɪl/

Verbcompiles, compiling, compiled

Noun pluralcompiles

8 meanings of compile

Practice

  1. 1
    verbtransitive
    To make something by collecting pieces from many different places.

    Like making a photo album from pictures taken at many different times.

    I compile a scrapbook from old photos and ticket stubs every year.

    She compiled a list of every book she had read.

    Similarassemble, collect, gather, collate, amass

    Note
  2. 2
    verbtransitive
    To turn written computer code into a form that a machine can run, using a special program.

    Like translating a written recipe into exact steps a machine can follow.

    You need to compile the code before the game will run.

    She compiled the program and tested it right away.

    Similarbuild

    Oppositedecompile

    Note
  3. 3
    verbintransitive
    Of written code, to be successfully turned into a program a machine can run.

    Like a machine that finally starts once every part fits correctly.

    If your program does not compile, check for a missing semicolon.

    The code finally compiled after she fixed the last error.

    Note
  4. 4
    nouncountable
    A single time when computer code is turned into a runnable program.

    Like one run of a printing press that turns pages into a finished book.

    The compile took almost ten minutes on the old laptop.

    She ran one more compile before going home.

    Similarbuild, compilation

    Note
  5. 5
    verbtransitive
    In snooker, to score a series of points by potting balls one shot after another.

    Like adding up points one by one until you reach a big total.

    She needs to compile a strong break to win this frame.

    He compiled a large break to take the match.

    Similarmake, build

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 6
    verbobsolete
    To build or put something together into a finished structure.

    Like building a wall brick by brick.

    They sought to compile a sturdy bridge across the river.

    The masons compiled a great wall around the city.

    Note
  2. 7
    verbobsolete
    To write or compose a poem, song, or other work.
    They are at their leisure much given to poetry; in which they compile the praises of virtuous men and actions , satires against vice
    1690, William Temple, Miscellanea. The Second Part.Here, compile means to write or compose, as in writing poems.
    Note
  3. 8
    verbobsoletetransitive
    To contain or include something as a part.
    After ſo long a race as I haue run / Through Faery land, vvhich thoſe ſix books cõpile [compile] / giue leaue to reſt me being halfe fordonne, / and gather to my ſelfe nevv breath avvhile.
    1595, Edmund Spenser, “[Amoretti.] Sonnet LXXX”Here, compile means contain, so the six books hold the story.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin compīlō, meaning "to plunder." It came into English through Old French and Middle English.