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noun Uncommon

Colleen

kuh-LEEN

Colleen (noun) means informal term for a girl or young woman, especially of Irish background. Example: “The song describes a colleen waiting by the shore.”

noun
1
Informal term for a girl or young woman, especially of Irish background.
"The song describes a colleen waiting by the shore."

Word forms

colleens plural

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The song describes a _____ waiting by the shore.

Etymology

From Irish cailín, meaning "girl" — the word itself, though widely used as a given name, isn't traditionally used as a first name in Ireland.

Origin: Irish

Rhymes for Colleen

See all rhymes for Colleen →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Colleen” mean?

The word “Colleen” means informal term for a girl or young woman, especially of Irish background.

How do you pronounce “Colleen”?

“Colleen” is pronounced kuh-LEEN (/kəˈlin/ in IPA).

How do you use “Colleen” in a sentence?

Here is “Colleen” used in a sentence: “The song describes a colleen waiting by the shore.”

What part of speech is “Colleen”?

“Colleen” is a noun.

Where does the word “Colleen” come from?

The word “Colleen” comes from Irish. From Irish cailín, meaning "girl" — the word itself, though widely used as a given name, isn't traditionally used as a first name in Ireland.

Is “Colleen” a common word?

“Colleen” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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