colonia

[ kuh-loh-nee-uh, -lohn-yuh; Spanish kaw-law-nyah ]

noun

, plural co·lo·ni·as [k, uh, -, loh, -nee-, uh, z, -, lohn, -y, uh, z, kaw-, law, -nyahs].

1. (in the southwestern U.S.) a city neighborhood or a rural settlement inhabited predominantly by Mexicans or Mexican Americans.

Word History and Origins

Origin of colonia¹

< Mexican Spanish: newly built or settled district of a city; Spanish: plantation, colony

Example Sentences

It’s difficult to find work here, especially when you have to cross the river here in Tijuana that is not connected to the colonia.

From Voice of San Diego

However, Davalos said she did feel bad for the people living on these dirt roads because many do not hold any rights to their properties and may be removed if the company expands further into their colonia.

From Voice of San Diego

While Mesa is wary of the changes happening to the colonia, he is optimistic that this is a good development for people living in Nueva Esperanza.

From Voice of San Diego

The Spanish ships retired before Macnamara, and he ran under the guns of the forts of Colonia, in order to retake the place.

From Project Gutenberg

Booms of highly elaborate construction made for 'Colonia' and 'Vigilant' were tried and found unsuitable.

From Project Gutenberg

The fleet of Buenos Ayres was captured, and the invaders were driven out of Colonia, a town of which they had taken possession.

From Project Gutenberg

The fortified town of Colonia, on the north bank of the Uruguay River, represented one of the chief bones of contention.

From Project Gutenberg

The latter, however, was a colonia libertinorum, and never rose to any importance.

From Project Gutenberg