compilation

noun

com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce compilation (audio)
also -ˌpī-
Synonyms of compilation
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

Examples of compilation in a Sentence

The CD is a compilation of greatest hits. the slow compilation of data
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.
The half-hour compilation, curated by Lin, stitched together photos and home videos of the girls submitted by loved ones as music softly played in the background. Reeti Malhotra may 23, Sacbee.com, 23 May 2026 Titles like Thriller and compilations such as Number Ones and The Essential Michael Jackson remain major winners, but at this point, long after his namesake biopic Michael first debuted in movie theaters all around the world, almost none of his full-lengths are close to reaching new peaks. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 23 May 2026 As well as continuing to help steer Get Physical and sister label Kindisch, Jung launched the Metaphysical imprint in 2020 and kept releasing his own music, including a compilation of his remixes this March. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 22 May 2026 With so many out-of-towners in the area this long weekend, here’s a compilation of some of the fun to be had off the racetrack and the pitch. Charlotte Observer, 22 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for compilation

Word History

Etymology

see compile

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of compilation was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compilation. Accessed 25 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

compilation

noun
com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce compilation (audio)
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 How to pronounce compilation (audio)
: a collection of preexisting materials and data so arranged to form a new original work under the law of copyright

More from Merriam-Webster on compilation

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster