collect
verb (used with object)
to gather together; assemble.
have been collecting
-
present perfect progressiveof collect.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Several Iranian human-rights groups based abroad have been collecting documentary evidence and counting the dead, through eyewitness reports, hospital records and video evidence.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 16, 2026
People in Penrhys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, have been collecting wood for weeks and said their Bonfire Night event brings the community together.
From BBC ● Nov. 5, 2025
Tape vendors Angela Medina and Miguel Alonso of Cheap Thrill Retro have been collecting VHS tapes for five years.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 27, 2025
Since then, the ancient wood has provided a splendid buffet for organisms of all sorts, and Dr. Distel and his colleagues have been collecting and characterizing them as fast as they can.
From New York Times ● Feb. 6, 2024
I glance at my pile of piano books that have been collecting dust since we got here, and I wish I had a lesson today.
From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks
