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.
As her compilation returns, Parton reaches the summit for the first time in her career. — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Many of the songs on this album are shared among other Parton projects — hits compilations and studio albums. — Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 30 Aug. 2026 Some of his highlight compilations and training videos received tens of millions of views. — Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 Sure, Capcom's released a few compilations of the Blue Bomber's spin-off series, like the Mega Man Battle Network Collection, but there hasn't been a new mainline series entry since Mega Man 11 nearly a decade ago. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 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 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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