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Definition college in British English

college noun

noun
/ˈkɒlɪdʒ/

Differences between British and American English: college

In the UK, a college usually means a place where students over the age of 16 are trained in a particular subject or skill, earning a qualification that is not usually an academic degree. People studying for an academic degree go to a university. In the US, a college is a place where students can earn a bachelor’s degree (=first degree), and a university offers both bachelor’s degrees and advanced degrees.

1

in the UK, a place that gives students qualifications below the level of a university degree, often in the skills they need to do a particular job

Example

He teaches cookery at the local college.

Example

I've just started a college course.

Example

She's at secretarial college.

Example

Paul's going to college in September.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

in the UK, a place that gives students degrees in a particular subject

Example

art/agricultural college

Example

the Royal College of Music

Synonyms and related words
1.2

in the US, a place that gives students degrees

Synonyms and related words
1.3

one of the parts that some universities are divided into

Example

King's College, Cambridge

Synonyms and related words
1.4

all the students and teachers in a college

Example

The whole college was talking about it.

Synonyms and related words
Example

the Royal College of Nursing

Synonyms and related words
3

used in the names of some British private schools

Example

Eton College

Synonyms and related words
Definition college in British English