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

In fact, the compilation is the only project by the band to crack the top 10, although several other favorites have come very close. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026

Throughout the compilation of clips, Kristy smiles and smolders in the mirror while using a bottle of the luxury brand's Libre Berry Crush perfume. —Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026

Those luminaries were all there to work on HELP(2), a compilation album supporting the charity organization War Child UK, where Clarke serves as head of music. —Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2026

The fleet is a compilation of aging vessels and tankers owned by nontransparent entities with addresses in non-sanctioning countries, and sailing under flags from such countries. —Arkansas Online, 23 Jan. 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