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

The compilation includes period-appropriate songs from Michael Jackson, ABBA, and others. —Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 28 Nov. 2025

But making TikTok compilations and photo edits directly comparing their bodies before and after filming, and using the situation to chase views and likes online, is insensitive and harmful. —Rachel Hale, USA Today, 25 Nov. 2025

And although the bartender spun a greatest hits compilation of McCartney’s post-Beatles band on the turntable, the speakers were playing a broader playlist of Beatles songs. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 24 Nov. 2025

Just a few years after everyone assumed Anthology was the end of the line, their 1 compilation blew up into the best-selling album of the 2000s, moving something like 30 million copies. —Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 24 Nov. 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