Colony: meaning, definitions and examples

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colony

[ ˈkɒləni ]

^{Context #1}

animal

A group of animals of the same species living together in a specific area.

Synonyms

community, nest, settlement

Examples of usage

The ants formed a colony in the backyard.
The bees established a colony in the hive.
The penguins built their colony near the shore.

^{Context #2}

people

A group of people who settle in a new country or area, forming a community under the control of their home country.

Synonyms

outpost, settlement, territory

Examples of usage

The British established a colony in India.
The Pilgrims founded a colony in America.
The Spanish set up colonies in South America.

^{Context #3}

biology

A group of cells or organisms that are derived from a single cell and are identical in genetic makeup.

Synonyms

cluster, group

Examples of usage

The bacteria formed a colony on the petri dish.
The yeast colony grew rapidly in the culture.

Translations

Translations of the word "colony" in other languages:

🇵🇹 colônia

🇮🇳 उपनिवेश

🇩🇪 Kolonie

🇮🇩 koloni

🇺🇦 колонія

🇵🇱 kolonia

🇯🇵 植民地 (shokuminchi)

🇫🇷 colonie

🇪🇸 colonia

🇹🇷 koloni

🇰🇷 식민지 (sikminji)

🇸🇦 مستعمرة (mustamra)

🇨🇿 kolonie

🇸🇰 kolónia

🇨🇳 殖民地 (zhímíndì)

🇸🇮 kolonija

🇮🇸 nýlenda

🇰🇿 отар

🇬🇪 კოლონია (kolonia)

🇦🇿 koloniya

🇲🇽 colonia

Word origin

The word 'colony' originates from the Latin word 'colonia', meaning 'settlement' or 'farm'. In ancient times, colonies were established by various civilizations as extensions of their homeland, serving as outposts for trade, military control, or cultural influence. The concept of colonies has evolved over time, with periods of colonization driven by exploration, conquest, and colonization. Colonies have played a significant role in shaping global history, economics, and culture.