What does colonial mean?
"Colonial" is an adjective describing anything relating to a colony or to the system by which one nation establishes and maintains settlements subject to its rule in another territory. It is most often applied historically, as in "colonial rule," "the colonial era," or "colonial powers," referring to the periods when European nations governed vast territories across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The word also describes styles of architecture and furniture characteristic of such periods, particularly early American design. While historically neutral in tone, "colonial" today frequently carries negative connotations in political discourse, given the exploitation and cultural disruption that accompanied imperial expansion. Derived forms such as "colonialism" name the ideology and practice itself, while "postcolonial" describes the study and aftermath of colonial systems. The word derives from the Latin "colonus," meaning farmer or settler, reflecting the agricultural origins of Roman colonies.
Of, relating to, or characteristic of a colony or colonies; belonging to the period when a country was a colony.
"India's colonial history spans nearly two centuries under British administration."
Often capitalized when referring specifically to a named historical period, e.g., Colonial America.
A house built in the style typical of the American colonial period, especially a rectangular two-story house with a central chimney.
"They bought a restored colonial on a quiet street in Concord."
Chiefly North American usage; often shortened informally to "colonial."
Applies only to the noun sense (colonial-style houses).
"The neighborhood is full of well-preserved colonials from the 1800s."
The word 'colonial' comes from the Latin 'colonus' — meaning farmer — because Roman colonies were originally settlements of citizen-farmers planted in conquered territory.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of colonial
"Colonial" derives from the Latin "colonia," meaning a settlement or landed estate, which itself comes from "colonus," a farmer or cultivator — related to the verb "colere," to till or inhabit. It entered English via French "colonial" in the late 18th century, as modern European colonization expanded vocabulary around empire. Cognates and relatives include "colony," "colonist," "colonize," and ultimately "culture," all tracing back to the same Latin root concerning cultivation and settlement.
Related word forms
How colonial is actually used
When applied to historical periods, 'colonial' is neutral in register, but in modern political discourse it often carries strongly negative connotations associated with exploitation and oppression. The noun sense ('a colonial' meaning a colonial-style house) is chiefly North American. The capitalized form 'Colonial' is used in proper names such as Colonial Williamsburg and in reference to the American Colonial period.
Easily confused with colonial
Not a real word — the correct spelling has two 'o's and no double 'n'.