ENGLISH
REFERENCE

compile

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //kəmˈpaɪɫ// UK //kəmpˈaɪl// com·pile Academic Archaic

v. to collect information from different places and put it together into one list, book, or report. In computing, it also means changing a program's code into a form the computer can run.

v. to produce a single list, report, or book by assembling information from various sources; in a computing context, to translate source code into executable machine code. Transitive — requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

I need to compile a list of all our customers.

CONTEXTUAL

The research team spent several months trying to compile all the data from the field studies into a single comprehensive report.

COMPLEX

Before the software can be distributed to end users, the developer must compile the source code into a binary format that is compatible with the target operating system.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English compilen, from Old French compiler, from Latin compīlō (“to plunder”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In technical contexts, it is often used without an indirect object.

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