compiler

American  

[kuhm-pahy-ler] / kəmˈpaɪ lər /

Rarely compilator

noun

1. a person who compiles, or gathers things together.

2. Also called compiling routine.  Computers. a computer program that translates a program written in a high-level language into another language, usually machine language.

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compiler British  

/ kəmˈpaɪlə /

noun

1. a person who collects or compiles something

2. a computer program by which a high-level programming language, such as COBOL or FORTRAN, is converted into machine language that can be acted upon by a computer Compare assembler

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compiler Scientific  

/ kəm-pī′lər /

1. A computer program associated with certain programming languages that converts the instructions written in those languages into machine code that can later be executed directly by a computer.

2. See more at programming language

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Other Word Forms

• precompiler noun

Etymology

Origin of compiler

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English compilour, from Anglo-French; Old French compileor, from Late Latin compīlātor; equivalent to compile + -er ²

Example Sentences

"Our billionaire count is down and the combined wealth of those who feature in our research is falling," Robert Watts, compiler of the Rich List told PA Media.

From BBC • May 16, 2025

Gannett had not run the list since Mary Cadden, the longtime compiler, was among hundreds laid off late last year.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 28, 2023

Edward Mathers worked as a crossword compiler for The Observer newspaper under the pseudonym Torquemada.

From Scientific American • Apr. 21, 2023

But despite his penchant for passionate outbursts — “It’s crazy, it’s insane!” he’ll exclaim over some or other outrage or absurdity — Moreno Ocampo is known as a judicious and meticulous compiler of material facts.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2023

I have steadily become a compiler of lives.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• connoisseur
• hobbyist