First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
colony
noun col·o·ny \ˈkä-lə-nē\
: an area that is controlled by or belongs to a country and is usually far away from it
: a group of people sent by a country to live in such a colony
: a group of plants or animals living or growing in one place
plural col·o·nies
Full Definition of COLONY
1
a : a body of people living in a new territory but retaining ties with the parent state b : the territory inhabited by such a body
2
: a distinguishable localized population within a species <a colony of termites>
3
a : a circumscribed mass of microorganisms usually growing in or on a solid medium b : the aggregation of zooids of a compound animal
4
a : a group of individuals or things with common characteristics or interests situated in close association <an artist colony> b : the section occupied by such a group
5
: a group of persons institutionalized away from others <a leper colony> <a penal colony>; also : the land or buildings occupied by such a group
See colony defined for English-language learners
See colony defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of COLONY
Middle English colonie, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin colonia, from colonus farmer, colonist, from colere to cultivate — more at wheel
Related to COLONY
- Synonyms
- plantation
Other Biology Terms
COLONY Defined for Kids
colony
noun col·o·ny \ˈkä-lə-nē\
plural col·o·nies
Definition of COLONY for Kids
1
: a distant territory belonging to or under the control of a nation
2
: a group of people sent out by a government to a new territory
3
: a group of living things of one kind living together <a colony of ants>
4
: a group of people with common qualities or interests located in close association <an art colony>
Medical Dictionary
colony
noun col·o·ny \ˈkäl-ə-nē\
plural col·o·nies
Medical Definition of COLONY
: a circumscribed mass of microorganisms usually growing in or on a solid medium
Learn More About COLONY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: colony collapse disorderPrevious Word in the Dictionary: colonusAll Words Near: colony
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up colony? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).