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.
The compilation remains present on both the Billboard 200 and the Top Dance Albums chart this week. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 Here’s a compilation of the latest reporting as of Saturday night from The Athletic’s team of reporters as Monday’s trade deadline approaches. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 Below, a compilation of some celebrity kids who have dropped their parents’ last names. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 28 July 2026 Earlier University of Washington research similarly found the wage hikes reduced low-wage workers’ hours by about 9% even as hourly pay rose roughly 3%, per Ballotpedia’s fact-check compilation. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 July 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 5 Aug. 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

Nglish: Translation of compilation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compilation

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