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.
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 After three years working together to assemble the compilation, Ulyssa released My Skyscraper in June 2026. — Jack Denton, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 Microsoft’s Advanced Shader Delivery works by offloading shader compilation for different hardware combinations to the cloud. — Tom Warren, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026 Digging through old family books, Jaipuria came across the Sri Tattva Nidhi, a compilation of art, music, and literary passages put together by Krishna Raja Wodeyar III, one of the Mysore maharajas. — Nuriyah Johar, Architectural Digest, 16 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

See All Rhymes for compilation

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 27 Oct. 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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