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 singer-songwriter, 45, could be seen in a compilation of videos posted to X, handing out roses at a Valentine's Day performance in Shreveport, Louisiana. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026

Furniture Sets Designers will tell you time and time again to go ahead and skip the matching furniture sets that were popular in the past in favor of a more eclectic compilation of furniture. —Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 17 Feb. 2026

In quick succession came a documentary, a covers album, a career-spanning compilation, and finally, new music. —Matthew Blackwell, Pitchfork, 17 Feb. 2026

Here’s a compilation of the happiest bronze medalists so far during the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. —Isabel Yip, NBC news, 16 Feb. 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