compilation

noun

com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce compilation (audio)
 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

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 Suns, with the addition of Bradley Beal to join Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, are the closest compilation to a super team today. Gary Washburn, BostonGlobe.com, 16 Sep. 2023 New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard Latin and Billboard Español editors. Leila Cobo, Billboard, 15 Sep. 2023 One compilation video of the most popular videos in the trend has accumulated over 8 million views. Time, 15 Sep. 2023 The clip cuts to a compilation of videos showing others who signed up to be Naked and Afraid using their wit to survive the elements, from a woman chopping at a tree and a man attempting to fish to another participant crying. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 14 Sep. 2023 The Welsh band released the compilation Mcluskyism the following year and splintered into separate groups, including Falkous’ Future of the Left and Christian Fitness. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 14 Sep. 2023 This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Laura L. Davis, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2023 The Complete Budokan will arrive a month after the Oct. 20 career-spanning compilation Mixing Up the Medicine, which itself is a companion to a 608-page book of the same name delving into Dylan’s archives. Spin Staff, Spin, 7 Sep. 2023 The compilation’s release in 1984 meant G.I.S.M. were one of the first Japanese punk bands to be distributed widely in the United States. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 2 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compilation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see compile

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of compilation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near compilation

Cite this Entry

“Compilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compilation. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.

Kids Definition

compilation

noun
com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce compilation (audio)
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 How to pronounce compilation (audio)
: a collection of preexisting materials and data so arranged to form a new original work under the law of copyright

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