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 struggles at Oakland and San Jose airports appear to be part of weaker trends for the aviation complexes that go well beyond a one-month blip, according to this news organization’s compilation and analysis of monthly reports. —George Avalos, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026

Last year, Cactus Jack released its second compilation album, Jackboys 2, which debuted at Number One on the charts. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 21 Jan. 2026

The group released two more studio albums, most recently 2022’s Resist, giving it 13 in all, along with numerous live, compilation and box sets. —Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 20 Jan. 2026

Lainey Wilson starts off the 17-minute compilation video by explaining how her first meeting with Parton is forever stamped in her memory. —Bryan West, USA Today, 19 Jan. 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