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 of compilation

• anthology

Examples of compilation in a Sentence

The CD is a compilation of greatest hits.

the slow compilation of data

Recent Examples on the Web

Earlier in the day, jurors asked to see a video compilation showing the deadly March 25, 2024 shooting, and asked for a readback of the elements needed to convict Rivera on the top charges against him. —John Annese, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026

Since releasing Back 2 Life in 2022, Thaiboy Digital has appeared on Bladee’s Cold Visions and Rift Two, the second compilation album from Drain Gang label Year0001. —Walden Green, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026

Half of the bars in this compilation are the kind of place where the drinking is simply a means to an end. —Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 30 Mar. 2026

Founded in 2016 by Will Braden, CatVideoFest is a compilation of the latest and best cat videos, meaning the ones in which felines are adorable, frisky or getting into some kind of amusing trouble. —Brent Lang, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026

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