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

In the United Kingdom — where The Beatles got off to a fantastic start before taking over the world — the group’s presence can always be felt on the charts via a handful of compilations. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

Earlier this month, All Things Go announced the first installment of its forthcoming benefit compilation, with 100% of the proceeds going to their longtime collaborators at The Ally Coalition (TAC), a leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth, founded by Jack and Rachel Antonoff. —Jem Aswad, Variety, 23 June 2025

Social media is flooded with compilations of her being whacked and hitting the deck. —Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 22 June 2025

New Music Latin is a compilation of the best new Latin songs and albums recommended by Billboard and Billboard Español editors. —Luisa Calle, Billboard, 20 June 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