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

In the early 2010s, Wijk and Crispin took to YouTube, where post-festival EDM compilations were beginning to take off thanks to the pyrotechnic montages being shared by events like Tomorrowland. —Sam Davies, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026

Ace Records has announced Where the Willow and the Dogwood Grow, an extensive compilation album that’s out May 29. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 25 Mar. 2026

The essay is part of a compilation of essays edited by Palestinian-American author Susan Abulhawa. —Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 23 Mar. 2026

The compilation will be available at all major in-store and online retailers. —Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 Mar. 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