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

The label cut its teeth with 12 inches and compilations but The Black Dog produced [one] album of breath-taking technical guile. —Liza Lentini, SPIN, 1 May 2026

The compilation will launch digitally on May 15 for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5, with physical pre-orders opening May 1 through May 31. —Kennedy French, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026

Such was his defensive display against Brentford on Monday, that a compilation reel was shared by the Premier League’s official social media accounts. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2026

The 1981 painting is abstract and minimalist, a compilation of placid shades—pink, blue, and white lines—stacked horizontally. —Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 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