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 monies
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.
Most credit repair companies also work with banks, debt collectors and other creditors. — Brian Sloan,dan Avery, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 As previously reported by ARTnews, the Fondation Louis Vuitton, currently the site of a blockbuster exhibition about the collector Gustave Fayet, will also close on Saturday as a precautionary measure. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 22 Oct. 2026 For collectors, the draw is having every film alongside the screen tests, handwritten notes and unused artwork that reveal how Kubrick worked. — Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 Rather than the latest Polo collections, there is an impressive array of vintage pieces dating back decades, all curated and brought in by passionate collectors. — Kelly Wetherille, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

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