English Reference

Word

collectible

Phoneticscol·lectible

US/kəˈɫɛktəbəɫ/

UK/kəlˈɛktəbəl/

Definitions

01an item for collectors

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. an object that people collect as a hobby because it is rare, beautiful, or likely to increase in value.

n. an item valued by collectors, often due to its rarity, historical significance, or potential for financial appreciation.

“He kept his vintage comic books in plastic sleeves because they were valuable collectibles.”

“The auction house specialised in rare sports collectibles, including signed jerseys and limited-edition trading cards from the early twentieth century.”

Synonyms

collector's itemmemorabilia

02worth collecting

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. describing something that is rare or special enough that people want to keep and protect it.

adj. suitable for being collected; possessing qualities such as rarity or aesthetic appeal that make it desirable to a collector.

“These limited-edition sneakers are highly collectible and sell for thousands of dollars.”

“The artist produced a series of collectible prints, each numbered and signed to ensure their long-term value for investors.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

03due to be paid

C1 · Advanced Technical

adj. describing money or a debt that can be collected or must be paid.

adj. subject to payment or capable of being collected; often used in financial contexts regarding debts or taxes.

“The company struggled to manage its collectible debts during the economic downturn.”

“The accountant identified several collectible accounts that had remained unpaid for over ninety days, affecting the firm's immediate cash flow.”

Usage

Commonly used in accounting and legal contexts to describe debts that are legally owed and expected to be paid.

Antonyms

uncollectiblebad

Real-World Examples

“In 2023, IFED said it found collectible Lego sets matching the ones claimed to have been stolen displayed in the man's living room during a search.”
BBC News 6 Oct 2026
“Socks, t-shirts, bobbleheads and collectible toys bearing her image were sold online.”
BBC News 10 Oct 2025
“The website says Henry’s Military Collectibles “only deals products with historical value for collectors, museums and research purposes.”
The Guardian 16 Aug 2026
“In 1990, Sansweet heard that Lucasfilm was planning to publish an official guide to collectibles.”
The New Yorker 9 Sept 2019

Etymology

From collect + -ible.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference