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, 3 Oct. 2025

The kitty compilation is now international and continues to sell out screenings in new markets with Australia and New Zealand almost doubling revenue to $185k 664 USD. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025

Like, the authors in this compilation are just, no skips. —Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025

In the nearly 22-minute compilation, multiple officers are heard repeatedly yelling at a woman, instructing her to drop her gun. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 25 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