third-person singular verb
A person or thing combines two or more things so that they form one thing or work as one.
The new software combines several useful features.
This design combines traditional and modern styles.
American English
How to pronounce combines
verb · nounB1Common word
kmBAINZ
/kʰm̩ˈbaɪnz/
2 syllables · Stress the second syllable.
Form of combine
Combines is usually a third-person singular verb, but it can also be a plural noun for farm machines.
A person or thing combines two or more things so that they form one thing or work as one.
What to listen for
As a noun, “combines” is /ˈkʰɑmˌbaɪnz/; as a verb, the stress moves to the second syllable: /kʰm̩ˈbaɪnz/. In natural speech, the first vowel in the verb can be very short or hard to hear.
Noun form/ˈkʰɑmˌbaɪnz/
Verb form/kʰəmˈbaɪnz/
Meanings & examples
third-person singular verb
A person or thing combines two or more substances or ingredients by mixing them together.
She combines flour and water in a large bowl.
The sauce combines sweet and spicy flavors.
third-person singular verb
A person or thing combines people, money, skills, or efforts for a shared purpose.
She combines her skills with mine to solve the problem.
The project combines the resources of three local groups.
plural noun
Machines that harvest grain and separate it from the plant.
/ˈkʰɑmˌbaɪnz/Noun form
The combines are ready for the wheat harvest.
Several combines worked across the fields.
Useful expressions
to work together to achieve something
The two companies combined forces to develop the product.
to do business while also enjoying yourself
The trip combines business with pleasure.
Related words & forms
The final e is dropped before -ing: combining, not combineing.