compendium

noun

com·​pen·​di·​um kəm-ˈpen-dē-əm How to pronounce compendium (audio)
plural compendiums or compendia kəm-ˈpen-dē-ə How to pronounce compendium (audio)
1
: a brief summary of a larger work or of a field of knowledge : abstract
a one-volume compendium of the multivolume original
2
a
: a list of a number of items
b
: collection, compilation
a compendium of folk tales

Examples of compendium in a Sentence

a one-volume compendium of information He published a compendium of folk tales.
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.
This week, Fortune published our 11th annual Change the World list, a compendium of 50 companies that are using the creative forces of capitalism to tackle big social problems. Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 25 Sep. 2025 Ultimately, though, the album serves as a compendium of a truly life-altering experience on the road. Chris Barilla, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2025 The Kendall Jenner compendium of style is accustomed to a corporate-leaning look too, though, with a wardrobe that includes relaxed suits via her beloved The Row. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Sep. 2025 The ban, which was featured in a Park Service compendium of regulations that dated May 20, went into effect after several protests at El Capitan made headlines. Abigail Adams, People.com, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compendium

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin, saving, shortcut, from compendere to weigh together, from com- + pendere to weigh — more at pendant

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of compendium was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

“Compendium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compendium. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

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