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

• album
• anthology
• collectanea
• compendium
• florilegium
• miscellany
• reader

Examples of compilation in a Sentence

The CD is a compilation of greatest hits.

the slow compilation of data

Recent Examples on the Web

Explore Cuco See latest videos, charts and news At swap meets and once-thriving CD stores, Lowrider Oldies compilations where the backdrop to nights spent cruisin’ in custom lowriders outfitted with hydraulics — at quinceañeras, damas and chamelanes arrived in similar old school cars to these. —Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 9 May 2025

The track was the second and final single from the compilation, and was pushed in October 2003. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Ty Segall has announced the new benefit compilation L.A. Recovers to raise money for California wildfire relief and recovery funds. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 7 May 2025

Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records recently shared their gospel compilation album Altar Call, which was dedicated to his late mother, Beverly Tate. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 6 May 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