Collation Meaning in English
word
Definition
The act of collecting, arranging, and comparing information or documents, often to check their correctness or order. In some uses, it can also mean a light meal, especially in old-fashioned contexts.
Usage & Nuances
Formal or academic term, common in printing, research, and legal contexts ('collation of data', 'collation sheets'). Rarely used for 'light meal' today; this sense is mostly historical or literary.
Example Sentences
The librarian spent hours on the collation of rare books.
basic
Accurate collation is important before publishing a report.
basic
He assisted with the collation of documents for the case.
basic
The collation of data from different sources took the research team several weeks.
natural
During printing, improper collation can result in pages being out of order.
natural
In old novels, a 'cold collation' sometimes just means a small informal meal.
natural