colonies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium to High (B2)Primarily formal/academic, but acceptable in general and historical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “colonies” mean?
Groups of people from one country who settle in another territory, remaining subject to the parent nation, or the territories themselves.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Groups of people from one country who settle in another territory, remaining subject to the parent nation, or the territories themselves.
Any group of organisms (e.g., bacteria, animals) living together in close association or a specific place where such a group lives. Figuratively, a concentrated community of people with a common characteristic (e.g., artist colony) or a group segregated from society (e.g., leper colony).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both refer to historical settlements (e.g., 13 American colonies). In UK, stronger association with former British Empire territories (e.g., Crown Colony). In US, the term is foundational to national history and often capitalised (the Colonies).
Connotations
In US usage, carries strong historical and patriotic connotations related to independence. In UK and former colonised nations, can carry negative connotations of exploitation and imperialism.
Frequency
Similar frequency in historical/academic contexts. More likely in everyday US discourse due to foundational national narrative.
Grammar
How to Use “colonies” in a Sentence
[Subject: nation/people] established colonies in/on [Location][Subject: organisms] form colonies on [Surface/in [Medium]]The colonies of [Possessor Nation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colonies” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bacteria quickly colonised the petri dish.
- The region was colonised in the 18th century.
American English
- The bacteria quickly colonized the petri dish.
- The region was colonized in the 18th century.
adverb
British English
- The empire expanded colonially.
- They acted colonially towards the region.
American English
- The empire expanded colonially.
- They acted in a colonial manner towards the region.
adjective
British English
- The colonial administration was resented.
- We studied colonial history.
American English
- The colonial administration was resented.
- We studied Colonial history (referring to US period).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except metaphorically (e.g., 'The company established colonies of developers in several countries').
Academic
Frequent in history, political science, biology, microbiology (e.g., 'The European powers competed for colonies', 'Observe the bacterial colonies').
Everyday
Primarily in historical discussion, gardening (ant colonies), or news about space (e.g., 'future Martian colonies').
Technical
Standard in microbiology (a visible cluster of microorganisms) and zoology (a group of social animals like bees).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colonies”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colonies”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colonies”
- Incorrect singular/plural: 'a colonies' (should be 'a colony'). Confusing 'colony' with 'community' when no subordination/parent relationship exists.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While common in history, it is actively used in biology (ant colonies, bacterial colonies) and for future concepts like space colonies.
A colony implies political and economic ties to a parent nation. A settlement is a more general term for a place where people have settled, with no necessary external allegiance.
It is inextricably linked to imperialism, exploitation, and the subjugation of indigenous peoples, making it a charged term in postcolonial discourse.
It means to establish a colony in or on a place. The '-ise' spelling is British, '-ize' is American. It can be used literally (countries colonised continents) or metaphorically (plants colonise a barren landscape).
Groups of people from one country who settle in another territory, remaining subject to the parent nation, or the territories themselves.
Colonies is usually primarily formal/academic, but acceptable in general and historical contexts. in register.
Colonies: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒl.ə.niz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɑː.lə.niz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The sun never sets on the British Empire (referring to its colonies)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COLONies were where people went to set up a new home and 'colonise' the land. Remember 'colony' contains 'colon' which is like 'column' – a separate but connected part.
Conceptual Metaphor
COLONY IS AN OFFSPRING/EXTENSION (the mother country and her colonies). COLONY IS A HIVE (a busy, organised collective unit).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical use of 'colonies'?