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

This is typically because the millions of people who continue to listen to the group focus on either classic full-lengths or compilations built around some of the band’s most famous tunes. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025

This compilation of sleeper sofas are pieces that our testers personally sat and slept on for an initial four-week period, giving feedback at six-month and one-year markers, and scoring them for comfort, overall value, durability, quality, and ease of use. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 20 May 2025

The clip is the second to appear in the compilation. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2025

The tracks follow her 2022 Kick compilation and more recent collaborative work with Addison Rae, Hikaru Utada, Tokischa, and others. —Walden Green, Pitchfork, 14 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see compile

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for compilation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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