college

noun

col·​lege ˈkä-lij How to pronounce college (audio)
often attributive
1
a
: an independent institution of higher learning offering a course of general studies leading to a bachelor's degree
a liberal arts college
also : a university division offering this
b
: a part of a university offering a specialized group of courses
the university's college of pharmacy
c
: an institution offering instruction usually in a professional, vocational, or technical field
business college
an embalming college
d
: a self-governing constituent body of a university offering living quarters and sometimes instruction but not granting degrees
Balliol and Magdalen Colleges at Oxford

called also residential college

e
: a preparatory or high school
2
: the faculty, students, or administration of a college
The college was at the football game in force.
3
a
: a group of persons considered by law to be a unit
b
: a body of electors compare electoral college
4
: a building used for an educational or religious purpose
5
: a body of clergy living together and supported by a foundation
6
: company, group
specifically : an organized body of persons engaged in a common pursuit or having common interests or duties
a college of cardinals serving as papal councillors and electors

Examples of college in a Sentence

She teaches art at a local college. He graduated from one of the country's best colleges. She attended a business college. He attended college for several years, but didn't graduate. She dropped out of college. I went to Mount Holyoke College. When I was a junior in college, I spent a semester in Spain. the Edinburgh College of Art the London College of Fashion She is attending fashion college.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mental health professionals have long stated potential concerns about anthropomorphized AI, especially regarding their interactions with traditional-aged college students and emerging adults. Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 Goldin, who is signed by the Heat to a two-way contract after a five-year college career that included three seasons at Florida Atlantic, is the only player currently on an NBA deal who played for the Heat’s summer team on Friday. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 July 2025 Connor dealt with injuries throughout the majority of his college career, but a redshirt year and COVID-19 campaign allotted him six seasons. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2025 Through his entire four-year college career, Sanders showed off top-tier arm talent. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for college

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin collegium society, from collega colleague — more at colleague

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 5

Time Traveler
The first known use of college was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“College.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/college. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

college

noun
col·​lege ˈkäl-ij How to pronounce college (audio)
1
: a building used for an educational or religious purpose
2
a
: a self-governing body of a university offering living quarters and instruction but not granting degrees
Balliol College at Oxford
b
: a school higher than a high school
c
: an independent institution offering a course of general studies leading to a bachelor's degree
also : a university division offering this
3
: an organized body of persons having common interests or duties
the college of cardinals

More from Merriam-Webster on college

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