compilation

American  

[kom-puh-ley-shuhn] / ˌkɒm pəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

compilations plural

1. the act of compiling.

   the compilation of documents.

2. something compiled, as a reference book.

   Synonyms:

   assortment, assemblage, collection

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compilation British  

/ ˌkɒmpɪˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. something collected or compiled, such as a list, report, etc

2. the act or process of collecting or compiling

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• precompilation
  noun
• recompilation
  noun
• compilatory
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• compilations
  plural

Etymology

Origin of compilation

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin compīlatiōn-, stem of compīlātiō; equivalent to compile + -ation

Explanation

A compilation is a collection. You might have enough fascinating stories about compasses to publish your own compilation of the best. You'd have to find some other compass enthusiasts to buy it though. Coming from the 15th century Latin compilationem “that which is compiled,” a compilation is a grouping or anthology of similar items. A music compilation brings together different artists and songs on a playlist. One can gather essays on a similar topic to organize a compilation for a book. And as President Franklin D. Roosevelt noted, the Constitution itself is "the most marvelously elastic compilation of rules of government ever written.”

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

compilation compilations

The finished product was more like a compilation of shot-for-shot music video and live performance recreations, stitched together with vignettes depicting a tepid version of Jackson’s real, tumultuous life.

From Salon ● Jul. 8, 2026

As well as hosting stages at the Notting Hill Carnival for Radio 1, Nelson also released the compilation albums Pure Grooves and INCredible Sound Of Trevor Nelson.

From BBC ● Jun. 26, 2026

Russia launched 8,150 long-range drones in May, according to a compilation of daily air force reports, up to 24 percent on the number fired in April.

From Barron's ● Jun. 1, 2026

"We analyzed a compilation of thermal history models in function of plate-tectonic models for the Tethys Ocean evolution, as well as deep-time precipitation and mantle-convection models."

From Science Daily ● May 18, 2026

The Field Notes are a compilation of the reports of seasoned observers who have spent many years afield in their particular areas and have unparalleled knowledge of the normal bird life of the region.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson

Wain didn’t design this film to fit into clip-farmed compilations on TikTok or even one-minute clips on YouTube.

From Salon ● Jul. 12, 2026

In 2004, the rapper’s original label, Jive Records, released two compilations of his music, “Prince of the South ... The Hits” and “Chopped & Screwed.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 17, 2026

We bought compilations of the greatest matchups, watched The Ultimate Fighter, developed strong opinions on fighters, rankings, and preferred techniques.

From Slate ● Jun. 14, 2026

The book’s most edifying compilations recount the Soviet people’s unconquerable yearning to live, create and love freely, despite the daily menaces of a police state and deafening propaganda.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 16, 2025

I worked through the Old Testament next, then I read Dad’s books, which were mostly compilations of the speeches, letters and journals of the early Mormon prophets.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Related Words

• assortment
• collection