compilation

noun

com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən 

 also  -ˌpī-

1

: the act or process of compiling

the annual compilation of data

2

: something compiled

a compilation of hit songs

a compilation of vehicular accident reports

Synonyms

• album
• anthology
• collectanea
• compendium
• florilegium
• miscellany
• reader

Examples of compilation in a Sentence

The CD is a compilation of greatest hits.

the slow compilation of data

Recent Examples on the Web

Last year, two related compilations, The Beatles 1962-1966 and The Beatles 1967-1970, known casually as the Red and Blue Albums, both hit new highs in November 2023. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

This compilation of myths and stories that highlight the transformation of women into their natural, wild, instinctual selves was all the rage in the early 90’s. —Anita Kopacz, People.com, 9 Dec. 2024

The unverified two-minute seven second compilation, released on Saturday, showed a number of Ukrainian sea drones making their way toward gas facilities in the Black Sea, followed by large explosions which left at least one platform on fire. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2024

In September, the Immigration Hub launched a one-stop-shop compilation of immigration data, looking to build substance for a politically-winning pro-immigration message for Democrats. —Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see compile

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

compilation

noun

com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or process of compiling

2

: something compiled

especially : a book of materials gathered from other books

Legal Definition

compilation

noun

com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən 

: a collection of preexisting materials and data so arranged to form a new original work under the law of copyright