adjective
-
Also: collegial. of or relating to a college or college students
-
(of a university) composed of various colleges of equal standing
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of collegiate
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Late Latin word collēgiātus. See college, -ate 1
Explanation
Collegiate describes anything to do with college life or college students. You might refer to the leagues in which college athletes compete as collegiate sports, or to students studying chemistry as collegiate scientists. While college is a noun, collegiate is an adjective used to describe anything associated with college. The word collegiate was once associated with the idea of ivy-covered walls and impeccably-dressed students earnestly discussing philosophy and art. Nowadays, it can just as easily refer to political demonstrations and raucous behavior, as all have become part of the collegiate world.
Vocabulary lists containing collegiate
The Parker Inheritance
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Boy21
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By creating a level playing field at the federal level, the Protect College Sports Act will benefit student athletes and preserve the spirit of competition that defines collegiate sports.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
Direct compensation removes the focus of an undergraduate education as the core principle of collegiate athletics.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 22, 2026
Koval, who was expected to be LSU's starting centre this year, has two years of collegiate eligibility remaining.
From BBC ● Sep. 4, 2026
In my late teens, I remember “Can I Call You Tonight” being an integral part of my life, frequently filling the background of my collegiate tasks.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026
“So practising with your team will prepare him for the rigors of American collegiate tennis, should he get the scholarship.”
From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
