# col

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/col
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. mountain pass

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the lowest point on a ridge between two mountain peaks.

For teachers: the lowest point of a ridge between two peaks, often forming a pass. The term is frequently used in mountaineering and professional cycling contexts.

- The hikers reached the col between the two mountains just as the sun began to set.
- The lead cyclists struggled through the final ascent to the col, where the narrow pass offered a brief respite before the technical descent.

Usage: Commonly used in geography and mountaineering to describe a specific landform.

### 2. abbreviation for column

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a short way to write the word 'column', often used in tables or computer code.

For teachers: a standard abbreviation for 'column', typically employed in typesetting, spreadsheet software, or database management.

- In the spreadsheet, col A contains the dates and col B contains the prices.
- The developer adjusted the width of the third col in the CSS grid to ensure the layout remained responsive on mobile devices.

### 3. abbreviation for color

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical · American English

a short way to write the word 'color' or 'colour'.

For teachers: a standard abbreviation for 'color', frequently found in design software or technical specifications.

- The design document listed the col as 'navy blue' for the company logo.
- The technical manual specifies the col requirements for the print run to ensure brand consistency across all marketing materials.

## Examples

- The hikers reached the col and looked down into the next valley.
- The final stage of the race requires cyclists to climb a steep col before descending toward the finish line.
- Thick fog settled into the col, obscuring the narrow path that connected the two jagged summits and forcing the climbing team to halt their ascent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.