Colony — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈkä-lə-nē/ col·o·ny

Meaning & Definition of Colony

Colony (noun)

  1. an area over which a foreign nation or state extends or maintains control; also, a group of people who establish residence in that area and who retain ties with the parent state
  2. a group of people who settle together in a new place; also, the land or buildings used by such a group
  3. a distinguishable localized population of a species or type of organism

Colony (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a settlement in a new country or region

    "the early history of New York City when it was a Dutch colony"

    similar: plantation
  2. a group of people with a common interest living in one place

    "New Hampshire's MacDowell colony was founded as a summer residence for writers and composers"

    similar: community

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Colony

The most common words with a similar meaning to Colony:

Word Forms of Colony

Inflections: colonies

Origin & Etymology of Colony

Middle English colonie, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin colonia, from colonus farmer, colonist, from colere to cultivate wheel

First known use: circa 1550

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Colony

Words & Phrases Containing Colony

Frequently Asked Questions about Colony

What does "Colony" mean?

"Colony" means an area over which a foreign nation or state extends or maintains control; also, a group of people who establish residence in that area and who retain ties with the parent state. As a noun, it is defined as: an area over which a foreign nation or state extends or maintains control; also, a group of people who establish residence in that area and who retain ties with the parent state. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Colony"?

Other words for "Colony" include plantation and community. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Colony" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Colony"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Colony". Common alternatives include plantation and community.

How do you use "Colony" in a sentence?

Examples of "Colony" in a sentence: "the early history of New York City when it was a Dutch colony"; "New Hampshire's MacDowell colony was founded as a summer residence for writers and composers".

Is "Colony" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Colony" is a noun.

Is "Colony" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Colony" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Colony"?

"Colony" is pronounced /ˈkä-lə-nē/ and divided into syllables as col·o·ny.

What is the origin of the word "Colony"?

"Colony" comes from Middle English colonie, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin colonia, from colonus farmer, colonist, from colere to cultivate wheel. First known use: circa 1550.