colon
KOH-luhn
Colon (noun) means the punctuation mark ":", used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation. Example: “Remember to add a colon before you start the bulleted list.”
noun
1
The punctuation mark ":", used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation.
"Remember to add a colon before you start the bulleted list."
"The sentence needed a colon, not a comma, before the explanation."
"In the title, a colon separates the main phrase from the subtitle."
2
The main part of the large intestine, which absorbs water and forms waste before it leaves the body.
"Doctors recommend a colonoscopy after age 45 to check the colon for polyps."
"The surgeon explained that part of the colon needed to be removed."
"Eating more fiber helps keep your colon healthy."
How to use colon
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the punctuation mark ":" or the main section of the large intestine — two unrelated meanings that happen to share a spelling.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "colonel" (a military rank) — they sound nothing alike despite similar spelling.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- colons, cola, coli
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Remember to add a _____ before you start the bulleted list.
Etymology
From Latin colon, "a clause of a poem," from Greek kolon, "limb, clause, part of a verse" — the intestinal sense comes from a separate, similar-looking Greek word for the organ.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for colon
See all rhymes for colon →Frequently asked questions
What does “colon” mean?
The word “colon” means the punctuation mark ":", used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation. In plain terms, either the punctuation mark ":" or the main section of the large intestine — two unrelated meanings that happen to share a spelling.
How do you pronounce “colon”?
“Colon” is pronounced KOH-luhn (/ˈkoʊ.lən/ in IPA).
How do you use “colon” in a sentence?
Here is “colon” used in a sentence: “Remember to add a colon before you start the bulleted list.”
What part of speech is “colon”?
“Colon” is a noun.
Where does the word “colon” come from?
The word “colon” comes from Latin. From Latin colon, "a clause of a poem," from Greek kolon, "limb, clause, part of a verse" — the intestinal sense comes from a separate, similar-looking Greek word for the organ.
Is “colon” a common word?
“Colon” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “colon” have?
“Colon” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the punctuation mark ":", used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation.
When should a colon be used instead of a semicolon?
A colon is used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation, signaling that what follows directly expands on or clarifies what came before. A semicolon, by contrast, is used to link two closely related independent clauses without introducing or explaining anything.
What is the difference between the punctuation mark 'colon' and the body part 'colon'?
These are two entirely unrelated meanings of the same word. The punctuation colon is the mark ':' used to introduce a list, explanation, or quotation, while the anatomical colon is the main part of the large intestine, which absorbs water and forms waste.
Can a colon start a new sentence after it?
After a colon, what follows should relate directly to what precedes it, such as a list, explanation, or quotation, rather than beginning an unrelated new sentence. Capitalization after a colon depends on style guide, particularly when what follows is a complete sentence.
