To "compile" means to gather and organize information or data from various sources into a single document or format. This process is often used in programming, where source code written in a high-level language, like Python or Java, is transformed into machine code that a computer can execute. In addition to programming, compiling can refer to creating collections, such as a book of recipes or a report of research findings. The goal is to make the information accessible and useful, allowing users to easily reference or utilize the compiled material.