compilation

noun

com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce compilation (audio)
 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

Examples of compilation in a Sentence

The CD is a compilation of greatest hits. the slow compilation of data
Recent Examples on the Web The label launched in 2022 with the release of their first compilation Besitos Bailables (Danceable Little Kisses). Isabelia Herrera, Pitchfork, 22 Mar. 2024 New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 22 Mar. 2024 The compilation clip could, at a push, be used as a sort of generational Rorschach test. Rory Smith, New York Times, 15 Mar. 2024 Decades after it was released, Bob Marley’s greatest hits compilation is still performing incredibly well in the United States. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The sad news of Damo Suzuki’s death that morning prompted Dandelion’s owners to put Can’s albums on the shelves behind the counter, right next to Soul Jazz’s Studio One reggae compilations and Canadian artists like Magneticring and Fortunato Durutti Marinetti. Jesse Locke, SPIN, 29 Feb. 2024 First Country is a compilation of the best new country songs, videos and albums that dropped this week. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 4 Mar. 2024 On Friday, the Village of Carol Stream released a 33-minute video containing a compilation of police body camera videos of six Carol Stream Police Department officers. Rebekah Riess, CNN, 3 Mar. 2024 His compilation Legend: The Best of Bob Marley and the Wailers, is on the rise again as people across the country return to the set following the release of a biopic about the superstar, titled Bob Marley: One Love. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compilation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see compile

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of compilation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near compilation

Cite this Entry

“Compilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compilation. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

compilation

noun
com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce compilation (audio)
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 How to pronounce compilation (audio)
: a collection of preexisting materials and data so arranged to form a new original work under the law of copyright

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