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 compilation dropped roughly 1,000 units when compared to the previous frame. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Steely Dan thrived in the age of the greatest hits compilation, and the band’s 1978 Greatest Hits collected most of the band’s popular singles on two LPs. — Al Shipley, SPIN, 17 July 2026

The gallery will also display fan art contributions to a visual compilation of the Sonic universe. — Matt Minton, Variety, 8 July 2026

Defense attorney Michael Burt argued that making the video compilation public will likely prevent Robinson from getting a fair trial. — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 7 July 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