Colonies
Britishplural noun
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the subject territories formerly in the British Empire
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history the 13 states forming the original United States of America when they declared their independence (1776). These were Connecticut, North and South Carolina, Delaware, Georgia, New Hampshire, New York, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, and New Jersey
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.
Colonies depend on workers bringing back a steady supply of nectar and pollen through the summer.
From BBC ● Jul. 21, 2026
"Together, these records offer a more complex and enlightening account of the Revolution, showing how its consequences were felt far beyond the Thirteen Colonies," Cunningham added.
From Barron's ● Jun. 22, 2026
The Twelve Colonies fall because the machines hacked all their systems.
From Salon ● May 5, 2026
Colonies may ignore the bait or abandon it before it spreads widely.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 18, 2026
I wonder what the pledge sounded like before we went to war against the Colonies.
From "Legend" by Marie Lu
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