collect
4 ENTRIES FOUND:
collects;
collected;
collecting
collects;
collected;
collecting
Britannica Dictionary definition of COLLECT
1
[+ object]
a
:
to get (things) from different places and bring them together
-
They hope to collect over 1,000 signatures on the petition.
-
He collected stories from all over the world.
-
They collected information about the community.
-
We collected soil samples from several areas on the site.
b
:
to get (one or more things) from a place
-
We collected our baggage from/at the baggage claim at the airport.
-
I left my suit at the cleaners and I have to collect it today.
2
:
to get (similar things) and bring them together as a hobby
[+ object]
-
He collects postage stamps.
-
She enjoys collecting antique teapots.
[no object]
-
He has an impressive stamp collection, though he has been collecting for only a few years.
3
[+ object]
:
to get control of (your thoughts, emotions, etc.)
-
I took a minute to collect my thoughts.
-
She stopped briefly to collect [=calm] herself.
4
a
[+ object]
:
to ask for and get (money that someone owes you)
-
I collected the rent from the tenants.
-
The city collects property taxes.
b
:
to be given or paid (money)
[+ object]
-
She collects social security benefits.
[no object]
— + on
-
He is collecting on his disability insurance.
5
:
to ask people to give (money or other things) to a group that helps people, a political candidate, etc.
— often + for
[+ object]
-
She has begun collecting contributions from supporters.
-
We collected $5,000 for the hospital.
[no object]
-
I am collecting for the local women's shelter.
6
:
to come together in a large amount as time passes
—
see also collect dust at 1dust
[no object]
-
Junk started collecting in the attic soon after they moved in.
-
Dust had collected on the dashboard.
-
Snow was collecting on the driveway.
[+ object]
-
Garbage can collect germs.
7
[+ object]
:
to go somewhere in order to get (someone you will bring or take to another place)
-
She collected [=picked up] the children after school.
-
I'm going to collect him from the airport.
collect up
[phrasal verb]
collect up (something)
or
collect (something) up
British
:
to gather (things) together
-
I collected up [=picked up] the dishes and brought them to the kitchen.
-
The children collected their toys up and put them away.
2
collect
/kəˈlɛkt/
adjective
2
collect
/kəˈlɛkt/
adjective
Britannica Dictionary definition of COLLECT
US, of a telephone call
:
paid for by the person who is receiving the call
-
a collect phone call
-
The operator asked me if I would accept a collect call from John Smith.
— collect
adverb-
You can call me collect. [=you can call me and reverse the charges]
