compilation

noun

com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce compilation (audio)
also -ˌpī-
Synonyms of compilation
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.
The two wealth compilations in these pages—Taiwan’s 50 Richest and Japan’s 50 Richest—are teeming with entrepreneurs who grabbed the AI opportunity and are riding high on that wave. Naazneen Karmali, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026 What do the band Quicksand, the hardcore compilation This is Boston, Not LA, and John Coltrane have in common? Tanya Edwards, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 June 2026 Watch Madonna's short film featuring a compilation of new songs from the album above. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 8 June 2026 She's released seven studio albums, most recently in 2016, and put out a compilation album titled Ten in 2019. Rachel Desantis, PEOPLE, 6 June 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 16 Jun. 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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