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

Introduction, afterword and compilation copyright © 2026 by Property Of, Inc. —Via Scribner, Literary Hub, 11 Mar. 2026

So Serious, a compilation of Enya edits that distilled the singer’s voice down to a distant emanation. —Daniel Bromfield, Pitchfork, 10 Mar. 2026

At least as of Friday in the 2026 Bracket Matrix compilation of about 100 bracket selections, MU was a unanimous choice to earn an NCAA berth. —Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2026

There have also been five live albums, six EPs and a few compilations or split EPs. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 7 Mar. 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