college
KOL-ihj
College (noun) means an institution of higher education, often part of a larger university. Example: “She's in her second year of college studying biology.”
noun
1
An institution of higher education, often part of a larger university.
"She's in her second year of college studying biology."
"He applied to five different colleges."
"Many students work part-time while they attend college."
2
A semi-independent division of a university, with its own students, staff, and buildings.
"Each Oxford college has its own dining hall and traditions."
"Students at the college share a library and a garden."
"She lives in a college by the river and eats in its hall."
How to use college
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA place for education beyond high school, or (in the UK) sometimes a school for older teens.
UK vs US
In the US, "college" usually means a university-level institution; in the UK, it more often refers to sixth-form or further-education institutions for 16-18 year olds, or to a subdivision of a university like Oxford or Cambridge.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
go to college
college degree
college student
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Word forms
- Plural
- colleges
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She's in her second year of _____ studying biology.
Etymology
From Old French college, from Latin collegium, "a group of colleagues" — related to the word colleague.
Related words
Rhymes for college
See all rhymes for college →Frequently asked questions
What does “college” mean?
The word “college” means an institution of higher education, often part of a larger university. In plain terms, a place for education beyond high school, or (in the UK) sometimes a school for older teens.
How do you pronounce “college”?
“College” is pronounced KOL-ihj (/ˈkɑ.lɪdʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “college” in a sentence?
Here is “college” used in a sentence: “She's in her second year of college studying biology.”
What is another word for “college”?
Words with a similar meaning to “college” include faculty and school.
What part of speech is “college”?
“College” is a noun.
Where does the word “college” come from?
The word “college” comes from Latin. From Old French college, from Latin collegium, "a group of colleagues" — related to the word colleague.
Is “college” a common word?
“College” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “college” have?
“College” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an institution of higher education, often part of a larger university.
What is the difference between a college and a university?
A university is a large institution that awards degrees and is usually made up of several colleges or faculties. A college is smaller and may be part of a university or stand alone, often focusing on undergraduate teaching. In everyday American English, 'college' is also used loosely to mean any higher education.
Does college mean the same thing in Britain and America?
Not quite. In the United States, college usually means an undergraduate institution where students earn a bachelor's degree, and 'going to college' means higher education generally. In Britain, college can mean a further-education institution for students aged sixteen and over, or a division within a university such as those at Oxford.
What are the types of college?
Types include community or junior colleges offering two-year courses; liberal arts colleges focused on broad undergraduate study; technical and vocational colleges teaching practical skills; and sixth-form or further-education colleges in Britain. Some colleges are residential communities within a university, while others are fully independent degree-awarding bodies.
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