A person who gathers and accumulates objects of a particular type, often for hobby, investment, or scholarly purposes. Also refers to someone whose job involves collecting payments, taxes, or debts.
From Latin 'colligere' meaning 'to gather together,' from 'com-' (together) + 'legere' (to choose, gather). The word evolved from its original meaning of 'one who gathers' to include the modern sense of systematic accumulation.
Collectors represent a uniquely human impulse that separates us from other animals - the desire to accumulate beyond immediate need. What's remarkable is how collecting transforms ordinary objects into extraordinary ones: a common stamp becomes precious simply because someone decided to gather its kind systematically.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.