collector

Someone who keeps objects of a particular kind because they are interesting or valuable.

• My uncle is a stamp collector.
• A collector bought the rare painting.
• Collectors often pay more for items in perfect condition.

How to use it: collector of something (She is a collector of old postcards.)

Common phrases: stamp collector, art collector, keen collector

A person whose job is to get money from people who have not paid their debts.

• A debt collector called this morning.
• The collector asked him to pay the overdue bill.
• She received letters from several debt collectors.

Common phrases: debt collector, collector calls, pay the collector

A person or device that gathers things, or a person who looks after a collection.

• The dust collector needs cleaning.
• Tax collectors visited the village each year.
• The museum appointed a collector to manage its growing collection.

How to use it: collector of something (The machine acts as a collector of fine dust.)

Similar words: gatherer

Common phrases: dust collector, data collector, tax collector

A person who checks or takes passengers’ tickets on public transport.

• The collector checked my ticket.
• Passengers showed their tickets to the collector.
• The ticket collector came through our carriage twice.

Similar words: ticket inspector

Common phrases: ticket collector, train collector