# Colo

/ˈkoʊɫoʊ/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

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

## Definition

a secure building where companies keep their computer servers and networking equipment. You use this service when you want to rent space for your hardware instead of keeping it in your own office.

For teachers: a data centre facility in which a business can rent space for servers and other computing hardware. Often used as a shortened form of 'colocation'.

## Examples

- We moved our servers to a local colo to save on cooling costs.
- The startup decided to use a colo facility rather than building their own server room to ensure 24/7 power backup.
- Migrating to a high-tier colo provides the enterprise with redundant power systems and carrier-neutral connectivity that would be prohibitively expensive to maintain on-premises.

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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.