Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who collects and studies postage stamps: A stamp collector is someone who systematically gathers, organizes, and often researches postage stamps as a hobby or area of interest.

Usage

• The term "stamp collector" specifically refers to a person engaged in the hobby of philately. It describes the individual, not the activity itself.
• It is a compound noun formed from "stamp" (postage stamp) and "collector" (one who collects).

Examples

• Noun:
  • My grandfather is an avid stamp collector with albums from over fifty countries.
  • The stamp collector carefully examined the rare issue with a magnifying glass.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used in formal and informal contexts to describe hobbyists of all levels, from casual to expert.
• In a professional or academic context, a dedicated stamp collector might also be called a philatelist, which emphasizes the study and research aspect.

Variants and Related Words

• Philatelist (noun): A person who studies or collects postage stamps. This is a more formal synonym, often used for serious collectors.
  • The convention was attended by philatelists from around the world.
• Stamp collecting (noun): The activity or hobby of collecting stamps.
  • His main hobby is stamp collecting.

Synonyms

• Philatelist: A student or collector of stamps.

Related Phrases

• Stamp collection (noun): The assembled group of stamps owned by a collector.
  • He showed me his valuable stamp collection.

Noun

1. a collector and student of postage stamps