collector

noun

col·​lec·​tor kə-ˈlek-tər How to pronounce collector (audio)
Synonyms of collectornext
: one that collects: such as
a
: an official who collects funds or moneys
b
: a person who makes a collection
stamp collector
c
: an object or device that collects
the statuette was a dust collector
d
: solar collector
collectorship
kə-ˈlek-tər-ˌship How to pronounce collector (audio)
noun

Examples of collector in a Sentence

He is an avid stamp collector. The painting was purchased by a private collector. The trash collectors came early today.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Lin is asking collectors and vendors to be on the lookout and to let the arcade or police know if the cards are spotted. — Jason Rantala, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Some vintage toys are collectors' items or look great on display, like old metal cars and wooden rocking horses. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 29 June 2026 But such fine evidence of the erroneous human touch in the publishing process is, of course, cherished by collectors of this day. — Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 At Watches and Wonders Geneva in April, pricing was a sore yet all-too-recurring subject—for brands and collectors alike. — Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for collector

Word History

Etymology

Middle English collectour, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin collēctōr-, collēctor, from colleg-, variant stem of colligere "to gather together, assemble, accumulate" + -tōr-, -tor, agent suffix — more at collect entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of collector was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing collector

Rhymes for collector

See All Rhymes for collector

Browse Nearby Words

collect on delivery
collector
collector's item
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Collector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collector. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

collector

noun
col·​lec·​tor kə-ˈlek-tər How to pronounce collector (audio)
1
: a person whose job is to collect money due
tax collector
bill collector
2
: one that makes a collection
stamp collector
3
: an object or device that collects
the ornament was just a dust collector

More from Merriam-Webster on collector

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for collector

Nglish: Translation of collector for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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