college
college Lexical Profile
college Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An educational institution or establishment, in particular one providing higher education, specialized vocational training, or forming a constituent part of a larger university.
"She decided to study graphic design at a local art college before launching her freelance career."
American An institution of higher education offering undergraduate degree programs, frequently used in everyday conversation to mean any university experience.
"After graduating from high school, he plans to go to college out of state to pursue a degree in biology."
An organized body or society of persons engaged in common pursuits or possessing shared duties, privileges, and professional interests.
"The Electoral College is formally responsible for casting the deciding votes in the presidential election."
Word Nuance & Usage
In American English, 'college' is generally used as a synonym for 'university' to denote any undergraduate higher education. In British English, 'college' typically refers to an institution between secondary school and university, or a constituent semi-independent part of a larger collegiate university (e.g., Oxford or Cambridge).
• Rhymes for college
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'college', via Old French from Latin 'collegium' (community, society, guild), which derives from 'collega' (partner in office, colleague), combining 'com-' (together) and 'legere' (to choose or gather).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.