French word

colonie

Pronunciation

IPA/koloni/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncamp

Example

Mes enfants partent en colonie cet été.

My children are going to camp this summer.

Illustration for colonie (camp)

More examples

J'ai trouvé une colonie de fourmis dans la cuisine.

I found an ant colony in the kitchen.

Core concept

A supervised holiday settlement in which children live together rather than merely attend activities.

Common phrases

  • colonie de vacances

    summer camp

  • colonie de fourmis

    ant colony

Similar words

colonie de vacances: A children's holiday camp involving shared living and various activities.
camp de vacances: A holiday camp in nature with several nights outdoors and organized activities.
séjour: A period spent staying somewhere for vacation, study, or another purpose.
camping: A way to spend a holiday outdoors while staying in a tent or vehicle.

Definition in French

Désigne un séjour collectif pour enfants pendant les vacances, axé sur les activités et la vie en groupe.

Word origin

In colonie de vacances, colonie originally meant a settlement, and the shortened form colonie retains this collective-residence idea for a holiday stay.

Usage tips

  • Colonie can also mean colony in historical or political contexts, so the surrounding context identifies the intended sense.

Other meanings

  • colonynoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word