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

Advanced metadata tagging — cricket balls are tagged with 90 different parameters — enables sophisticated voice search and personalized clip compilations. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025

The compilation pushes from No. 55 to No. 48 on the Official Albums Streaming chart. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

The group initially formed in 1993, though largely avoided widespread recognition until the release of the 2001 compilation Your New Favourite Band. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 2 Apr. 2025

In the ensuing weeks, prosecutors turned over a large compilation of evidence and information about L’s case to her abuser’s defense attorneys, as required by New York’s discovery statute. —Jane Manning, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 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