ENGLISH
REFERENCE

combine

v. · n.
US //ˈkɑmbaɪn// com·bine
  1. 1 to join together (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to put two or more things together to make one single thing.

    to unite or merge two or more distinct elements into a single entity or substance.

    Example

    You need to combine the flour and sugar before adding the eggs.

    Example

    The new software aims to combine several disparate databases into a single, streamlined interface for the end user.
  2. 2 to have two qualities (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to have two different features or qualities at the same time.

    to possess or exhibit two or more different attributes or functions simultaneously.

    Example

    The new hotel manages to combine luxury with a very friendly atmosphere.

    Example

    Her latest novel successfully combines elements of historical fiction with a fast-paced contemporary thriller.
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  1. 3 farm machine (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    a large machine used on farms to cut and clean grain.

    shortened form of 'combine harvester'; a complex machine that harvests, threshes, and cleans grain crops.

    Example

    The farmer spent all day driving the combine across the wheat field.

    Example

    Modern combines are equipped with GPS technology to map crop yields with incredible precision during the harvest season.
  2. 4 a group or association (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Business

    a group of people or companies that work together for a business purpose.

    an association of individuals or corporations formed to pursue a common commercial or political interest.

    Example

    Several small tech firms formed a combine to bid for the government contract.

    Example

    The industrial combine exerted significant influence over national trade policy throughout the early twentieth century.
  3. 5 sports testing event (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Sport

    an event where athletes perform tests so professional teams can see their skills.

    a multi-day showcase where athletes perform physical and mental tests in front of professional scouts.

    Example

    The young quarterback performed well at the scouting combine last week.

    Example

    His impressive vertical leap at the national combine significantly boosted his draft stock among professional scouts.
Origin

PIE word *dwóh₁ From Middle English combynyn, from Middle French combiner, from Late Latin combīnāre (“unite, yoke together”), from Latin con- (“together”) + bīnī (“two by two”).

Word family

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