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

During a span of 18 months, Thoreau carried out nearly 50 discrete research tasks to create dozens of tables of numerical data and a detailed compilation map of the Concord River Valley that’s over 7 feet long. —Robert M. Thorson, The Conversation, 8 May 2026

Jackson’s hits compilation Number Ones is at Number 13, the Michael soundtrack is at Number 37, and The Essential Michael Jackson is at Number 158. —Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 6 May 2026

Aphex Twin’s 2003 26 Mixes for Cash compilation nodded wryly in its title to the throwaway nature of the worst of the form. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 4 May 2026

The label cut its teeth with 12 inches and compilations but The Black Dog produced [one] album of breath-taking technical guile. —Liza Lentini, SPIN, 1 May 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