compilation

noun

com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce compilation (audio)
also -ˌpī-
Synonyms of compilationnext
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.
Sister Hazel — ‘All For You’ (1997) Written by lead singer Ken Block in 1991 for a local environmental charity compilation — before the band even existed — this spent 41 weeks on the Hot 100. Ryan Brennan april 8, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026 Lead singer and founder Ken Block wrote the song in 1991 — before Sister Hazel even existed as a band — for a local contest putting together a compilation CD benefiting an environmental organization. Ryan Brennan april 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2026 An Orbán video this year showed a compilation of endorsements from the likes of Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, Argentina’s Javier Milei and France’s Marine le Pen. Alexander Smith, NBC news, 8 Apr. 2026 The Instagram post featured a compilation video that included clips of Sylvester singing into a microphone during a meal and at a football game, as well as an array of family pictures. Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 5 Apr. 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 11 Apr. 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

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