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

The ultimate goal is a compiler that takes code written for conventional computers and automatically transforms it into an efficient quantum algorithm.

From Barron's • May 5, 2026

The first ever series of Countdown was won that year by crossword compiler Joyce Cansfield.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2024

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

I have steadily become a compiler of lives.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

Related Words

• connoisseur
• hobbyist