college
gb/kˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/ us/kˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/
A2
English
~ 1300
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Institution for higher education
A school where students study after high school to get a degree or diploma.
Usage pattern:
[someone] goes to [college]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'college' with 'high school' or use it to mean any school. In American English, 'college' usually refers to post-secondary education.
Synonyms
university (Often larger and offering a wider range of graduate programs; 'college' can be smaller or part of a university.)
Antonyms
high school (Represents a lower level of education before college.)
Collocations
college degree
|college student
|college campus
|college tuition
|college professor
Themes
education
|career
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She hopes to attend college in New York.
- College can be expensive, so many students apply for scholarships.
- He met his best friends during his first year at college.
- After college, she plans to work in finance.
- College life can be both exciting and challenging.
Learner examples
- I want to go to college next year.
- My sister is in college now.
- College is more difficult than high school.
- He will finish college in two years.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Faculty within a university
A part of a university that teaches one subject area.
Usage pattern:
[someone] studies in the [college] of [subject]
Common mistake:
Some learners think 'college' always means the whole university, but it can also mean just one part of it.
Synonyms
faculty ('Faculty' is used more in British English; 'college' is common in American English for some divisions.)
Collocations
college of engineering
|college of arts
|college dean
Themes
education
Examples
- She is studying in the College of Medicine.
- The College of Fine Arts is hosting an exhibition.
- He transferred from the College of Law to the College of Business.
Learner examples
- I am in the College of Science.
- She works in the College of Education.
- The College of Art has many classes.
Noun
B2
entity
3
Group with shared duties/status
A group of people who do the same type of work or have the same job role.
Usage pattern:
[a] college of [professionals]
Synonyms
association (A general term for a group; 'college' in this sense is more formal and specific.)
Collocations
college of cardinals
|college of physicians
Themes
work
|government
|business
Examples
- The College of Cardinals elected a new pope.
- He is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons.
- The College of Teachers met to discuss new policies.
Learner examples
- The College of Doctors meets once a year.
- The College of Teachers talks about new rules.
- The College of Artists has a show.
Grammar
Dictionary form
college
IPA
GB/kˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/
US/kˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/
Syllables & stress
col - lege (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (col)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: college
- Plural: college, colleges
Word family
Forms
colleges
noun
Related words
collegiate
adjective
Advanced or less common
collegian
noun
Expressions
college degree
1/kˈɑlɪd͡ʒ dɪɡɹˈi/
fixed phrase
Academic qualification from college/university
A paper you get when you finish your studies at a college or university.
Examples
- She earned her college degree in biology.
- Having a college degree can open many career opportunities.
college dropout
1/kˈɑlɪd͡ʒ dɹˈɑpˌaʊt/
fixed phrase
Person leaving college early
A person who leaves college before finishing their degree.
Examples
- He became a successful entrepreneur despite being a college dropout.
- The program helps college dropouts return to school.
community college
1/kəmjˈunɪti kˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Local two-year public college
A school where you can study for two years after high school, often near your home.
Examples
- He decided to attend a community college before transferring to a university.
- Community colleges offer affordable education options.
go to college
1/ɡˈoʊ tə kˈɑlɪd͡ʒ/
fixed phrase
Attend higher education institution
To study at a school after high school to get a degree or diploma.
Examples
- She plans to go to college after graduating from high school.
- Many people go to college to improve their job prospects.