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

Below is a compilation of the tributes to Panettiere from those who grew up with her, worked with her, and loved her. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026

Video compilations of Trachtenberg and Panettiere’s characters, Casey Carlyle and Gen Harwood, respectively, have been circulating on social media Monday, with many fans acknowledging the film’s comforting nostalgia amid the tragedy. — Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

The compilation appears within the top 10 for the first time on America’s ranking of the top-selling releases of any style or length. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026

The label also put out a compilation record earlier this year marking the milestone. — Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 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