an institution of higher learning, esp. one providing a general or liberal arts education rather than technical or professional training. Compare university .

a constituent unit of a university, furnishing courses of instruction in the liberal arts and sciences, usually leading to a bachelor's degree.

an institution for vocational, technical, or professional instruction, as in medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, or music, often a part of a university.

an endowed, self-governing association of scholars incorporated within a university, as at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge in England.

a similar corporation outside a university.

the building or buildings occupied by an institution of higher education.

the administrators, faculty, and students of a college.

(in Britain and Canada) a private secondary school.

an organized association of persons having certain powers and rights, and performing certain duties or engaged in a particular pursuit

The electoral college formally selects the president.

a company; assemblage.

Also called collegium. a body of clergy living together on a foundation for religious service or similar activity.

British Slang . a prison.

noun

alma mater , association , brainery , halls of ivy , halls of knowledge , institute , lyceum , organization , seminary , universitynotes:the word college comes from latin collegium , \'association , partnership , \' from collega , \'partner in office.\' the word university is from latin universitas , \'the whole , \' from universus , \'combined into one.\' the difference between a college and a university is that a college offers degrees in one or a few specific areas , while a university is a collection of colleges. , academe , academia , academy , hall , institution , professordom , professoriate , school , university