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 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

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