1 [mass noun] the action or process of collecting someone or something:the collection of datarefuse collectionshe left the envelope in the office for collection
[count noun] a regular removal of mail for dispatch or of refuse for disposal:withdrawal of the Sunday collections
[count noun] an instance of collecting money in a church service or for a charity:a collection is to be taken up for the Ecclesiastical Students Fund
[count noun] a sum of money raised during a church or charity collection.
2a group of things or people:a rambling collection of houses
a group of accumulated items of a particular kind:a record collection
a book or recording containing various texts, poems, songs, etc.:a collection of essays
a range of new clothes produced by a fashion house:a preview of their autumn collection
3 (collections) British college examinations held at the beginning or end of a term, especially at Oxford University.
