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

• album
• anthology
• collectanea
• compendium
• florilegium
• miscellany
• reader

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 holiday compilation is back at No. 40 on the list of the bestselling full-lengths and EPs in the U.S., regardless of style, format, or genre. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. —Ingrid Fajardo, Billboard, 22 Nov. 2024

The character’s lines have been memed relentlessly over the years, with clips and compilations of Milhouse often garnering millions of views online. —Angela Yang, NBC News, 20 Nov. 2024

Vandross’ version of The Beatles’ Michelle is available now and will be included in a compilation Never Too Much: Greatest Hits on Dec. 13. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see compile

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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