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

Reflecting on Chic’s enduring popularity following the release of Chic compilation Up All Night in 2013, Anderson told Pop Matters why Chic’s productions continue to resonate. —Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 21 Dec. 2024

Artist Spotlight: John Anderson Though now enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame, John Anderson is also a still-vital artist who tours regularly and has released a new album and two career compilations in the past half-decade. —Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024

These awards have since become a benchmark of success for artists at all stages, from debut tracks to career-spanning compilations. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 17 Dec. 2024

The compilation is still present inside the top 10 on the U.K. albums chart. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 11 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