1 [+ obj] 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 [+ obj] ▪ He collects postage stamps. ▪ She enjoys collecting antique teapots. [no obj] ▪ He has an impressive stamp collection, though he has been collecting for only a few years. 3 [+ obj] : 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 [+ obj] : 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) [+ obj] ▪ She collects social security benefits. [no obj] — + 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. [+ obj] ▪ She has begun collecting contributions from supporters. — often + for ▪ We collected $5,000 for the hospital. [no obj] ▪ I am collecting for the local women's shelter. 6 : to come together in a large amount as time passes [no obj] ▪ Junk started collecting in the attic soon after they moved in. ▪ Dust had collected on the dashboard. ▪ Snow was collecting on the driveway. [+ obj] ▪ Garbage can collect germs. — see also collect dust at ¹dust 7 [+ obj] : 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.