# combine

/ˈkɑmbaɪn/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/combine
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to join together

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

- You need to combine the flour and sugar before adding the eggs.
- The new software aims to combine several disparate databases into a single, streamlined interface for the end user.

### 2. to have two qualities

verb · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: to possess or exhibit two or more different attributes or functions simultaneously.

- The new hotel manages to combine luxury with a very friendly atmosphere.
- Her latest novel successfully combines elements of historical fiction with a fast-paced contemporary thriller.

### 3. farm machine

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The farmer spent all day driving the combine across the wheat field.
- Modern combines are equipped with GPS technology to map crop yields with incredible precision during the harvest season.

### 4. a group or association

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

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

- Several small tech firms formed a combine to bid for the government contract.
- The industrial combine exerted significant influence over national trade policy throughout the early twentieth century.

### 5. sports testing event

noun · CEFR C1 · American English

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

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

- The young quarterback performed well at the scouting combine last week.
- His impressive vertical leap at the national combine significantly boosted his draft stock among professional scouts.

## Examples

- You need to combine the flour and eggs in a large bowl.
- The two small tech startups decided to combine their resources to compete with the larger market leaders.
- The architect's latest design manages to combine traditional local materials with a futuristic aesthetic, creating a building that feels both grounded and innovative.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.