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

The new quad-die chip is a serious powerhouse for top-tier local AI inference, heavy software compilation, and high-throughput video rendering. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 21 Sep. 2026

The duo contributed to various underground compilations and festivals such as NorCal NoiseFest. — Susan Young, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2026

Sheeran’s second studio album, Multiply, was released in 2014, followed by the compilation album 5 in 2015, and Divide in 2017. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 2026

Nandao Rice & Noodle, which opened in May at the corner of Garvey and Garfield avenues in Monterey Park, isn’t geographically specific, but more of a greatest hits compilation of foods currently dominating the SGV. — Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 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