combine

[kuhm-bahyn, kom-bahyn, kom-bahyn, kuhm-bahyn, kom-bahyn]

verb (used with object)

combined, combining 

1. to bring into or join in a close union or whole; unite.

   She combined the ingredients to make the cake.

   They combined the two companies.

   Synonyms: amalgamate, compound
   Antonyms: separate

2. to possess or exhibit in union.

   a plan that combines the best features of several other plans.

3. to harvest (grain) with a combine.

verb (used without object)

combined, combining 

1. to unite; coalesce.

   The clay combined with the water to form a thick paste.

   Antonyms: separate

2. to unite for a common purpose; join forces.

   After the two factions combined, they proved invincible.

3. to enter into chemical union.

4. to use a combine in harvesting.

noun

1. a combination.

2. a combination of persons or groups for the furtherance of their political, commercial, or other interests, as a syndicate, cartel, or trust.

   Synonyms: bloc, alignment, monopoly, merger

3. a harvesting machine for cutting and threshing grain in the field.

combine

verb

1. to integrate or cause to be integrated; join together

2. to unite or cause to unite to form a chemical compound

3. agriculture to harvest (crops) with a combine harvester

noun

1. agriculture short for combine harvester

2. an association of enterprises, esp in order to gain a monopoly of a market

3. an association of business corporations, political parties, sporting clubs, etc, for a common purpose

Other Word Forms

• combiner noun
• intercombine verb (used with object)
• noncombining adjective
• precombine verb
• recombine verb
• recombiner noun
• uncombining adjective
• combinability noun
• combinable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of combine¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English combinen, from Middle French combiner, from Late Latin combīnāre, equivalent to com- com- + -bīnāre, verb derived from bīnī “by twos” ( binary )

Word History and Origins

Origin of combine¹

C15: from Late Latin combīnāre, from Latin com- together + bīnī two by two

Synonym Study

See mix.

Example Sentences

Experts also advise that you combine the sunscreen with other safety methods, such as wearing protective clothing and seeking out shade.

From BBC

I enjoyed Bethell's innings with the bat, but he was hammered with the ball - he and Will Jacks conceded a combined 112 runs from 10 overs.

From BBC

But in today's fragmented political landscape in which the combined poll ratings for Conservative and Labour are at an historic low, it could be.

From BBC

A combined 397 points didn’t cut it, especially the part about playing defense.

From Los Angeles Times

Mosley’s introduction provides that frame, calling the combined tales “a twentieth century memoir” and linking them to the fight for liberation and equality.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• associate 
• blend 
• couple 
• fuse 
• incorporate 
• link 
• merge 
• mix 

When To Use

What does combine mean?

To combine means to join two or more things together into a single unit.When things are combined, they form combinations. Less commonly, combine can also be used as a noun to refer to several different things, especially a grain harvester and an event at which athletes showcase their skills.Example: At the draft combine, scouts are looking for a player who combines strength, agility, and intelligence in a single package.