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Synonyms

compilation

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

noun

  1. the act of compiling.

    the compilation of documents.

  2. something compiled, as a reference book.

    Synonyms:
    assortment, assemblage, collection

compilation British  
/ ˌkɒmpɪˈleɪʃən /

noun

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

  2. the act or process of collecting or compiling

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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.”

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Vocabulary lists containing compilation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The pair likened the reaction to The Singles Compilation: Echoes from the Edge of Heaven to "lovely warm hugs".

From BBC • Jul. 19, 2023

Even with the straightforward service, Compilation customers have more leeway to design their own cup than most other places, which Jashinski says resonates with younger Gen Z audiences.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 23, 2022

Compilation of different Badhamia utricularis slime molds moving through their life cycle.

From Scientific American • Jan. 6, 2022

A 25-page document, on Weiser letterhead, titled "Accountants Compilation Report" was produced during discovery.

From Salon • May 8, 2020

Compilation enshrining Druidic thought, 332; Christian persons and episodes figure in, 333; extract from, in catechism form, 334, 335 Bardic differs from popular conception of Danaan deities, 104 Barrow, The River.

From Myths & Legends of the Celtic Race by Rolleston, T. W. (Thomas William)