compilation

noun

com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce compilation (audio)
also -ˌpī-
Synonyms of compilation
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

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Examples of compilation in a Sentence

The CD is a compilation of greatest hits. the slow compilation of data
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to a compilation of both ports’ daily rail reports from The Dwell, 34,592 import containers were awaiting on-dock rail service on Tuesday. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026 But the candidate started paying real attention to social strategy after a video compilation of his stump speeches assailing his then opponent, David Perdue, went viral on TikTok. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 26 Oct. 2026 The post featured a compilation of photos and videos of herself and her brother over the years, as well as a heartfelt letter in the caption. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 25 Oct. 2026 Beirut City Pop, the latest compilation by archival label Habibi Funk, tells the story of the artists who dared to imagine a life beyond war. — Shy Clara Thompson, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compilation

Word History

Etymology

see compile

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of compilation was in the 15th century

Rhymes for compilation

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Browse Nearby Words

Compiègne
compilation
compilator
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compilation. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

compilation

noun
com·​pi·​la·​tion ˌkäm-pə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce compilation (audio)
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 How to pronounce compilation (audio)
: a collection of preexisting materials and data so arranged to form a new original work under the law of copyright

More from Merriam-Webster on compilation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compilation

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