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

Books in the latter space include two Rupi Kaur collections, and a compilation of ghost stories. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026

Candy Ass also put out the influential 1995 compilation Free to Fight, featuring crucial artists like Heavens to Betsy, Excuse 17, the Spinanes’ Rebecca Gates, and the Third Sex. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026

The organization has release 21 compilations and raised over $10 million since; its subsequent television special on ABC became one of the first major AIDS benefits in the music business. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

B-side compilations are a hallowed tradition in indie rock—countless alternative bands have tucked away great music on collections like this for diehard fans to discover. — Charles Moss, SPIN, 30 Sep. 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