Definition of colonynext
1
as in plantation
a settlement in a new country or region the early history of New York City when it was a Dutch colony

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2
as in community
a group of people with a common interest living in one place New Hampshire's MacDowell colony was founded as a summer residence for writers and composers

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of colony This program teaches students the skills and knowledge needed to keep colonies healthy and productive year after year. Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026 In their tests, the prototype reduced spore colonies on a scrap of fabric by more than 75%. Rahul Rao, Space.com, 19 Aug. 2026 One system adds two inputs together using 24 bacterial colonies. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026 The Treaty of Paris was signed between the American colonies and Great Britain, ending the Revolutionary War and officially recognizing the United States as an independent nation. USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for colony
Recent Examples of Synonyms for colony
Noun
  • Indonesian police have arrested 72 people suspected of deliberately setting forest and peatland fires to clear land cheaply, as investigators probe whether plantation companies financed the fires.
    Niniek Karmini, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Many let their plantations fall victim to rot; others abandoned cocoa farming altogether.
    Colette Davidson, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Amenities and experiences Guests head out on game drives, nature walks, and morning excursions with Herero and Himba communities, returning back to cocktails next to the pool in the main lounge area.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
  • But communities already are scrambling to store up road salt for the snowy season ahead.
    Steve Zalusky, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • While Russia retains a presence, the era of it operating these as independent military outposts is over.
    Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • But my four nights at the Ranch Hudson Valley, the East Coast outpost of the Malibu favorite, reveal that this is neither austere boot camp nor cutting-edge wellness clinic.
    Johanna Wolfe, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026

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“Colony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/colony. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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