WordGarden.iocollection
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /kəlˈɛkʃən/
US
- /kəˈlɛkʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a group of things gathered, kept, or considered together
a curated set of artworks, writings, or cultural objects presented as one body
a coordinated line of clothes or products offered for sale
More meaningsFewer meanings
the act or process of gathering, picking up, or receiving things
the gathering of payments, debts, donations, or taxes
a software object or data structure that stores multiple items
Beyond the definition
A collection isn't just stuff piled together—it's a purposeful gathering of things you care about! Think of a butterfly collector carefully pinning each specimen or a music lover building a library of vinyl records. It implies a level of organization and, often, a deep passion. You might start a coin collection as a child or build a collection of memories over a lifetime. Sometimes, "collection" can even refer to people gathered together, like a "collection of talented artists" working on a joint project.
Imagine Old Man Hemlock, known throughout the village for his collection of peculiar hats. Each hat told a story: one from his days at sea, another from a trip to the mountains, and still others acquired through trades with traveling merchants. To the neighbors, it was a hobby; to Hemlock, it wasn't just a pile of headwear—it was a history of his life!
A collection is an assortment of things gathered together, usually because they share a common theme or interest. Unlike a random heap, a collection suggests intentionality and often implies organization, value, or aesthetic appeal. For example: "The museum boasts a stunning collection of Renaissance paintings," or "She has a vast collection of antique teacups."
Collections can be physical—like stamps, books, or artwork—but they can also be abstract. You might speak of a "collection of memories" from a cherished vacation or a "collection of skills" developed over years of practice.
The word "collection" can even describe a group of people with similar characteristics: "A collection of talented musicians took the stage." In a more formal or professional context, it refers to the act of gathering money owed, as in "debt collection."
Historically, the word comes from the Latin colligere, meaning "to gather" or "to bring together." This sense of deliberate gathering is key. A pile of discarded items isn't a collection, but carefully curated artifacts displayed with pride certainly are. Whether it involves tangible treasures, cherished experiences, skilled individuals, or even finances, a collection represents something brought together with purpose.
Examples
- 1
Childhood hobby
She started a small collection of postcards when she was a child.
- 2
Books
His book collection takes up an entire wall of the apartment.
- 3
Museum objects
The museum has a collection of ancient coins from across Europe.
- 4
Literature
I bought a collection of short stories to read on the train.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Research
The report is based on data collection over a six-month period.
- Phrasedata collection
gathering information
- 6
Public service
Waste collection is every Tuesday in our neighborhood.
- Phrasewaste collection
the service that takes away rubbish
- 7
Charity effort
The school organized a collection for families who lost their homes in the fire.
- Patterncollection for + person/group
an effort to gather money or goods for them
- 8
Fashion season
The designer's new summer collection will go on sale next week.
- Domainin fashion, a summer collection
a company's new set of clothes for that season
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- single item
- scattering
Used with (collocations)
- art collection
- stamp collection
- private collection
- museum collection
Word family
Explore
- curation
- inventory
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- collectionnoun
Forms
- collectionspluralnoun