collector

collector — noun

1. someone who enjoys finding and keeping particular kinds of objects as a hobby, s

1.nounB2
Definition

someone who enjoys finding and keeping particular kinds of objects as a hobby, such as stamps, coins, or works of art, because they find those items special or appealing.

Example

Aiko has been an avid stamp collector since she was ten years old.

collocation: avid collector

The local museum bought several paintings from a private art collector.

collocation: art collector

Common collocations
  • avid collector
  • passionate collector
  • private collector
  • art collector
  • stamp collector
  • coin collector
  • antique collector
Synonyms
  • hobbyist

    wider term for anyone with a pastime; does not specifically imply gathering objects

  • accumulator

    less discriminating; suggests gathering large quantities without necessarily curating

  • enthusiast

    emphasises strong personal interest rather than the act of gathering

Grammar Patterns

collector + of + [objects]

Common Mistakes

She is a collector of many things, so her room is always messy.
She is a collector of vintage vinyl records.
'collector' implies a deliberate interest in a specific category, not just a general tendency to accumulate things.

2. someone paid to gather payments, tickets, or fees from members of the public as

2.nounB1
Definition

someone paid to gather payments, tickets, or fees from members of the public as part of their regular work.

Example

The ticket collector at the station checked everyone's pass before opening the gate.

collocation: ticket collector

Leila works as a debt collector for a finance company in the city centre.

collocation: debt collector

Common collocations
  • ticket collector
  • debt collector
  • toll collector
  • fare collector
  • rent collector
  • tax collector
Synonyms
  • gatherer

    general term; does not imply paid employment or specific items

  • clerk

    a broader office role that may include but is not limited to collecting payments

  • revenue officer

    more formal; specifically refers to government tax collection

Grammar Patterns

[type of fee] + collector

Usage Note

Often appears in compound job titles such as 'ticket collector', 'debt collector', or 'tax collector'. The specific type of payment is usually stated before the word.

Common Mistakes

I need to see the collector to get my package.
I need to see the ticket collector to board the train.
by itself 'collector' is vague; specify what kind of collector you mean.

3. a senior government officer who manages the administration of a district, especi

3.nounC1
Definition

a senior government officer who manages the administration of a district, especially in India and some other South Asian countries, overseeing land records, tax collection, and local development.

Example

The district collector visited the village to inspect the newly built school.

collocation: district collector

Priya's father served as a collector in the state of Gujarat for over twenty years.

Indian English usage

Common collocations
  • district collector
  • deputy collector
  • collector's office
  • collector of the district
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

the district collector

collector + of + [region]

Usage Note

Chiefly used in Indian English. The District Collector (also called Deputy Commissioner in some states) is the highest-ranking administrative officer in a revenue district. The role combines tax, judicial, and development responsibilities.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A collector actively gathers and curates a specific category of objects such as stamps, coins, or art, often with a long-term personal interest. A hobbyist engages in any pastime for enjoyment and may or may not collect things — someone who knits is a hobbyist, not a collector. An enthusiast has a strong passion for a subject but does not necessarily acquire objects; a film enthusiast might watch hundreds of movies without owning a single DVD. A connoisseur has expert-level knowledge and refined taste in a field, such as a wine connoisseur who can identify a vintage by smell, but this person may not collect bottles themselves. For example: 'Ravi is a collector of rare coins' (he owns them), 'Ravi is a coin enthusiast' (he loves the subject), and 'Ravi is a numismatic connoisseur' (he knows everything about coins).

collector ↗hobbyistenthusiast ↗connoisseur

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • collector of [something]

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinAnglo-Norman FrenchEnglish

The word collector comes from Latin 'collector' meaning 'one who gathers together', which developed from 'colligere' (com- 'together' + legere 'to gather'). It entered English through Anglo-Norman French in the 15th century, first referring to officials who gathered taxes or church revenues. By the 18th century it had broadened to include people who gather objects for personal interest.