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

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

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