compiler

Rarely com·pi·la·tor

[kuhm-pahy-ler]

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.

compiler

/ 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

compiler

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

Other Word Forms

• precompiler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of compiler¹

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

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

From BBC

Last century, program compilers accelerated software development by rapidly translating commands into ones and zeros that computers can understand.

From Seattle Times

By contrast, Now was a joint venture between two of the UK's biggest record labels, EMI and Virgin, giving compilers immediate access to the day's biggest songs.

From BBC

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

From Scientific American

Related Words

• connoisseur 
• hobbyist