colectivo

American  

[koh-lek-tee-voh, kaw-lek-tee-vaw] / ˌkoʊ lɛkˈti voʊ, ˌkɔ lɛkˈti vɔ /

noun

• colectivos
  plural

1. a small public bus.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• colectivos
  plural

Etymology

Origin of colectivo

First recorded in 1935–40; from Latin American Spanish: “public bus,” i.e., a vehicle used collectively; special use of Spanish: “collective,” from Latin collēctīvus collective

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

colectivo colectivos

Relaxing in the sun outside another colectivo, Radio23, in a white hoodie and wide Prada-labeled sunglasses, Glen Martinez is another well-known figure locally.

From Reuters ● Aug. 15, 2012

But at home he’s interior minister, boss of security forces, and leader of the paramilitary colectivos.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 8, 2026

“The inner circle, the military generals, the colectivos, the governors, the mayors — they’re all there.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 19, 2026

She knelt in front of the first officer she saw, told him she’d fled the colectivos, and pleaded for a chance to seek asylum.

From Slate ● Jan. 15, 2026

"Where are the colectivos? Hidden. Hidden because there is an international observation mission," he said.

From Reuters ● Nov. 17, 2021

But by early Wednesday, security forces and colectivos had surrounded the building, making it clear it would be difficult to convene.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 15, 2020