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
Synonyms
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
Martinez was able to apply for a scholarship and go to college at a time when there was little support for undocumented students.
—
Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
He has been considered a top offensive coach since his college coaching career, which consisted of stops at Houston and Texas A&M before becoming head coach at Texas Tech from 2013-2018.
—Jon MacHota, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Another notable thing in college football's modern era: Both teams are from the Midwest.
—Becky Sullivan, NPR, 20 Jan. 2025
Some colleges and universities may host community service activities or other programming dedicated to the memory of Dr. King.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for college 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Nell Salzman, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2025
He has been considered a top offensive coach since his college coaching career, which consisted of stops at Houston and Texas A&M before becoming head coach at Texas Tech from 2013-2018.
—Jon MacHota, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
Another notable thing in college football's modern era: Both teams are from the Midwest.
—Becky Sullivan, NPR, 20 Jan. 2025
Some colleges and universities may host community service activities or other programming dedicated to the memory of Dr. King.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for college
Dictionary Entries Near college
Cite this Entry
“College.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/college. Accessed 23 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
college
noun
col·lege
ˈkäl-ij 
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
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