noun
compendium
kuhm-PEN-dee-uhm
Compendium (noun) means a collection of detailed information on a subject, gathered into a single book or document, especially one arranged for easy reference. Example: “The volume is a compendium of every British bird recorded since 1800.”
noun
1
A collection of detailed information on a subject, gathered into a single book or document, especially one arranged for easy reference.
"The volume is a compendium of every British bird recorded since 1800."
"Her notes grew into a compendium of local folklore."
2
British A boxed set of different board games or puzzles sold together.
"We were given a compendium of games one Christmas and never finished the jigsaw."
How to use compendium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne book that gathers together everything known about a subject.
When to use it
Slightly formal; common in titles of reference works.
Memory tip
A compendium is always of something — the phrase almost never stands alone.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a compendium of
a useful compendium
compendium volume
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The volume is a _____ of every British bird recorded since 1800.
Etymology
From Latin compendium "a saving, a shortening", from compendere "to weigh together".
Related words
Rhymes for compendium
See all rhymes for compendium →Frequently asked questions
What is the plural of compendium?
Both compendiums and compendia are correct. Compendiums is the more common everyday plural; compendia keeps the Latin form and is usual in academic and library contexts.
What is the difference between a compendium and an anthology?
An anthology gathers complete works — poems, stories, essays — chosen for their quality. A compendium gathers information about a subject and organises it for reference, so it is more likely to be summarised, condensed and indexed than reprinted whole.
Does a compendium have to be short?
The Latin root suggests condensing, and a compendium does aim to save the reader effort, but the modern sense stresses completeness. Many compendiums run to hundreds of pages because they cover a whole field in one place.
What is the meaning of compendium?
"compendium" (noun) means a collection of detailed information on a subject, gathered into a single book or document, especially one arranged for easy reference.
