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

• 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 Family Business Has Yet to Hit the Top 100 As The Family Business returns, the compilation earns its ninth stay on the Billboard 200. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

With the latest round of cuts, Cisco has disclosed plans to eliminate about 2,870 jobs in the Bay Area over a period that covers 2022 through August, according to this news organization’s compilation of numerous WARN letters the company sent to the EDD. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025

In the first video posted to the new account, dramatic piano and percussion music plays over a compilation of Trump meeting with people and walking into crowds. —Gabe Whisnant hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Aug. 2025

What’s next for Miami Artist Census The June survey compilation is the first of several mini reports Soto, Sieh and Honig will release on the initial census’ results, culminating in a final report in January 2026. —Isabel Rivera, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 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