Colossian

1 of 2

adjective

Co·​los·​si·​an kəˈläsh(ē)ən How to pronounce Colossian (audio)
-äsēən
-äsyən
1
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Colossae, an ancient city of Phrygia in Asia Minor where there was an early Christian church
2
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Colossians

Colossian

2 of 2

noun

"
plural -s
1
: a native or inhabitant of Colossae
especially : a member of its Christian church
2
Colossians plural in form but singular in construction : a letter written by Paul to the Christians in Colossae and included as a book in the New Testament
abbreviation Col
see Bible Table

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Colossæ, ancient city in Phrygia, Asia Minor + English -ian

First Known Use

Adjective

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1529, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of Colossian was in 1529

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Colossian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Colossian. Accessed 24 Dec. 2025.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!