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DictionarycolonyControlled territory
noun

colony

A territory controlled by a distant country or power.

The colony gains independence after a long struggle.

Etymology
colonyLatinsettlement

Latin colonia named a settlement established by colonists. The settler community provided the connection to territory governed from elsewhere, producing the political sense of an externally controlled possession.

More examples

  • The empire established colonies overseas.
  • A governor administered the colony.
  • The museum examines life in the former colony.

Forms

colony · colonies

colonial adjective — relating to colonies

Similar words

dependency
A territory subject to another authority.
possession
A territory held by another power.