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 organization has release 21 compilations and raised over $10 million since; its subsequent television special on ABC became one of the first major AIDS benefits in the music business. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

The box set includes the original album, expanded to include B-sides from singles and compilation tracks released at the time, along with a 360-degree behind-the-scenes look at how the group wrote the music. — Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 30 Sep. 2026

B-side compilations are a hallowed tradition in indie rock—countless alternative bands have tucked away great music on collections like this for diehard fans to discover. — Charles Moss, SPIN, 30 Sep. 2026

Audacity follows last year’s Total Sellout, a compilation of 2024’s Sellout and 2025’s Sellout II EPs. — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 28 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