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

• 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

Demers, 36, shared a heartwarming compilation of the clips on TikTok after their first embryo transfer. —Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025

The quality of life adjustments and gameplay streamlining are immediately noticeable, which include and expand upon changes made to Halo when it was ported into the Master Chief Collection (a compilation of the first four games) ten years ago. —Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025

Otherwise, the federal government has suspended all data compilation and releases until the fiscal impasse in Washington is settled. —Jeff Cox, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025

All of the participants were taking part in the UK Biobank project, a massive compilation of medical data from half a million volunteers. —New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025

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