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 list can be any compilation of notable restaurants, including awards, star ratings, rankings, or media honors, such as Bon Appétit’s Best New Restaurants (the 2026 installment of our list publishes Monday, August 24th—check back in tomorrow). — Jamila Robinson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Aug. 2026

Michael Jackson’s Thriller Remains a Top Five Smash Thriller appears on the same half-dozen Billboard charts as Number Ones, and in most cases, the more than 40-year-old blockbuster outperforms the compilation. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

And this one just feels like a compilation of all those things that make Ravyn Ravyn in a way. — Sidney Madden, VIBE.com, 19 Aug. 2026

Below is a compilation of the tributes to Panettiere from those who grew up with her, worked with her, and loved her. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Aug. 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