combine

[kuhm-bahyn, kom-bahyn, kom-bahyn, kuhm-bahyn, kom-bahyn]

verb (used with object)

combined, combining 

1. to bring into or join in a close union or whole; unite.

   She combined the ingredients to make the cake.

   They combined the two companies.

   Synonyms: amalgamate, compound
   Antonyms: separate

2. to possess or exhibit in union.

   a plan that combines the best features of several other plans.

3. to harvest (grain) with a combine.

verb (used without object)

combined, combining 

1. to unite; coalesce.

   The clay combined with the water to form a thick paste.

   Antonyms: separate

2. to unite for a common purpose; join forces.

   After the two factions combined, they proved invincible.

3. to enter into chemical union.

4. to use a combine in harvesting.

noun

1. a combination.

2. a combination of persons or groups for the furtherance of their political, commercial, or other interests, as a syndicate, cartel, or trust.

   Synonyms: bloc, alignment, monopoly, merger

3. a harvesting machine for cutting and threshing grain in the field.

combine

verb

1. to integrate or cause to be integrated; join together

2. to unite or cause to unite to form a chemical compound

3. agriculture to harvest (crops) with a combine harvester

noun

1. agriculture short for combine harvester

2. an association of enterprises, esp in order to gain a monopoly of a market

3. an association of business corporations, political parties, sporting clubs, etc, for a common purpose

Other Word Forms

• combiner noun
• intercombine verb (used with object)
• noncombining adjective
• precombine verb
• recombine verb
• recombiner noun
• uncombining adjective
• combinability noun
• combinable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of combine¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English combinen, from Middle French combiner, from Late Latin combīnāre, equivalent to com- com- + -bīnāre, verb derived from bīnī “by twos” ( binary )

Word History and Origins

Origin of combine¹

C15: from Late Latin combīnāre, from Latin com- together + bīnī two by two

Synonym Study

See mix.

Example Sentences

On that year’s tax return, he and his wife reported earning a combined $161,000 from their salaries as a state employee and a Christian school guidance counselor.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Milan combines elements of London, Paris and New York, but without the chaos, said Ross’s husband, Adam Sanderson, a 65-year-old former marketing executive at Disney.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In order to solve this problem, the researchers have combined several different technologies to correct the signal.

Read more on Science Daily

If the Fed has waited too long, combined with other forces such as tariffs, the economy could continue slowing while prices are rising.

Read more on Barron's

Farmer will assume the role of vice chair for the combined company.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• associate 
• blend 
• couple 
• fuse 
• incorporate 
• link 
• merge 
• mix 

When To Use

What does combine mean?

To combine means to join two or more things together into a single unit.When things are combined, they form combinations. Less commonly, combine can also be used as a noun to refer to several different things, especially a grain harvester and an event at which athletes showcase their skills.Example: At the draft combine, scouts are looking for a player who combines strength, agility, and intelligence in a single package.