colonial
kuh-LOH-nee-uhl
Colonial (adjective) means relating to a colony, or to the era when a territory was ruled as one. Example: “Many of the town's grand buildings date from the colonial period.”
adjective
1
Relating to a colony, or to the era when a territory was ruled as one.
"Many of the town's grand buildings date from the colonial period."
"India’s half-hour zone dates back to colonial rule of India and the era when ever-faster steamships and trains were shrinking the world."
— Dhruv Tikekar, How India got stuck in its own unusual time zone (2024)
"The museum has an exhibit on colonial-era trade routes."
"Colonial architecture in the town still reflects the styles brought over by early settlers."
How to use colonial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribing anything to do with colonies — the places, the era, or the politics of ruling them.
Common pairings
colonial era
colonial rule
colonial architecture
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Word forms
- Plural
- colonials
- Comparative
- more colonial
- Superlative
- most colonial
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Many of the town's grand buildings date from the _____ period.
Etymology
From colony plus the adjective suffix -al.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for colonial
See all rhymes for colonial →Frequently asked questions
What does “colonial” mean?
The word “colonial” means relating to a colony, or to the era when a territory was ruled as one. In plain terms, describing anything to do with colonies — the places, the era, or the politics of ruling them.
How do you pronounce “colonial”?
“Colonial” is pronounced kuh-LOH-nee-uhl (/kəˈloʊ.njəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “colonial” in a sentence?
Here is “colonial” used in a sentence: “The museum has an exhibit on colonial-era trade routes.”
What part of speech is “colonial”?
“Colonial” is an adjective.
Is “colonial” a common word?
“Colonial” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between 'colonial' and 'colonialism'?
'Colonial' is an adjective describing something relating to a colony or to the era when a territory was ruled as one, as in 'colonial rule' or 'colonial architecture'. 'Colonialism' is the noun for the policy or system of acquiring and controlling colonies.
What is the difference between 'colonial' and 'imperial'?
'Colonial' relates specifically to colonies, the settlements or territories controlled by a distant power. 'Imperial' relates to an empire or emperor more broadly. Colonies are often part of imperial expansion, but 'imperial' can also describe an empire's central authority rather than its colonies.
What does 'colonial' refer to in 'colonial architecture'?
In 'colonial architecture', 'colonial' means dating from or built in the style of the period when a territory was ruled as a colony. The term describes buildings whose design reflects that colonial era, often blending the ruling power's style with local materials.
What is the difference between 'colonial' and 'postcolonial'?
'Colonial' refers to the period when a territory was governed as a colony. 'Postcolonial' refers to the time and conditions after colonial rule ended, and to the study of its lasting effects on former colonies.
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