WordGarden.iocompilation
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /kˌɒmpɪlˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌkɑmpəˈleɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
a collection of writings, recordings, or other material gathered into one work
the act of gathering and arranging material or information from different sources
the process of converting source code into executable computer code
Beyond the definition
A compilation isn't just any collection—it's one put together on purpose, often from different sources. Think of your favorite "Best Of" album: it's a musical compilation that brings an artist's biggest songs together in one place. But compilations aren't limited to music. A chef might put their best recipes into a cookbook, or a historian might gather letters, photos, and other records to tell a story. The key is choosing items and arranging them so they make sense together. You can also have a compilation video of moments from a game, a show, or a week of news.
The word "compilation" refers to the act or result of collecting materials from different sources and putting them together into a unified whole. It implies more than just a random assortment; there's an element of selection, arrangement, and often, purpose behind it.
The verb "compile" comes from a Latin root meaning "to pile together." Over time, it came to mean assembling information or material in an organized way. Today, we use "compilation" in many contexts. A software compilation takes source code and turns it into an executable program. A legal compilation gathers laws and regulations into one place. A film compilation might show highlights from a sporting event.
The context often dictates the nuance. A "best of" compilation suggests quality and popularity, while a research compilation emphasizes thoroughness and organization. A compiler is also a person who collects and arranges information—think of a newspaper editor compiling articles for the day's edition.
So whether it's music, code, laws, or stories, a compilation brings together diverse elements into something new and meaningful—a carefully curated collection designed to inform, entertain, or achieve a specific goal.
Examples
- 1
Arts book
The book is a compilation of interviews with local artists.
- 2
Music album
She bought a compilation album of jazz songs from the 1960s.
- 3
Research report
The report includes a compilation of recent studies on air pollution.
- 4
Customer feedback
It took the team three months to finish the compilation of customer feedback from across the country.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Learning materials
The website offers a free compilation of practice exercises for language learners.
- 6
Programming
After a few small fixes, the code passed compilation without any errors.
- Patternpass compilation
be successfully turned into a working program
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- compilationnoun
Forms
- compilationspluralnoun