colonies
n. countable B1 Intermediate US //ˈkɑɫəniz// UK //kˈɒlənɪz// colonies
n. countries or areas that are controlled by a more powerful country that is far away. People from the powerful country often move there to live and work.
n. territories under the full or partial political control of another country, typically a distant one, and occupied by settlers from that country.
Many modern nations were once colonies of European empires.
The history of the Americas was shaped by the various colonies established by Spain, France, and Britain.
The transition from a collection of disparate colonies to a unified sovereign state required significant diplomatic negotiation and a shared vision of independence.
Usage
Usually used in the plural when referring to historical groups of territories, such as the Thirteen Colonies.