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

• 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

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard and Billboard Español editors. —Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2025

Curated by creative director Olivier Rousteing, the collection included a compilation of democratized styles, including knitwear and loose shapes. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025

Kenley Scott, Director, Global Sector Strategist at William O’Neil + Company, made significant contributions to the data compilation, analysis, and writing for this article. —Randy Watts, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Afterward, Mclusky released the compilation Mcluskyism and split up. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 10 Sep. 2025

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