collector

noun

col·​lec·​tor kə-ˈlek-tər How to pronounce collector (audio)
: one that collects: such as
a
: an official who collects funds or moneys
b
: a person who makes a collection
stamp collector
c
: an object or device that collects
the statuette was a dust collector
collectorship 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.
Strange as this sounds: Theaster Gates, the renowned, longtime Chicago artist, sculptor, community developer, collector, painter and all-around renaissance man. Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2025 Since then, its value and scarcity have skyrocketed, and Yamazaki 55 has become a true collector’s item. Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 28 May 2025 The trading card featuring New York Knicks guard Mark Jackson, obtained by Fox News Digital, gained notoriety after eagle-eyed collectors noticed that the Menendez brothers were sitting in a pair of floor seats at the game. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025 In addition to her executive bona fides as AEW’s CEO, Mone’s winning ways has become her gimmick as a belt collector. Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 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

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of collector was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Collector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collector. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on collector

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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