compilation

noun

com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce compilation (audio)
also -ˌpī-
Synonyms of compilationnext
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

Examples of compilation in a Sentence

The CD is a compilation of greatest hits. the slow compilation of data
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dogfish Head is the official beer of Record Store Day and has gotten in on the festivities beginning in 2025 via a series of limited-edition Grateful Dead compilations titled On a Back Porch. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2026 Richards took Polow’s advice, releasing a DJ Drama mixtape and popping up on Ludacris compilation cuts, and Polow pushed to the center of the pop-rap world, producing party tracks for radio-friendly artists like Jamie Foxx, Will Smith, Ludacris, and the Black-Eyed Peas. Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 25 Apr. 2026 The post featured a compilation of photos and videos of him and his little girl. Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026 The compilation of letters is worth $2 million. News Desk, Artforum, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compilation

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compilation. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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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