colon

colonist, settler

noun koh-LOHN Rare

Origin: Latin colonus (farmer, settler)

Also means

tenant farmer, sharecropper (historical)

Usage Note

Colon denotes a settler in a colony (un colon européen), and historically a tenant farmer who worked land for a share of the crop, reflecting its Latin root colonus (farmer). Note that the medical term for the large intestine is côlon with a circumflex, distinguishing it from this word. The verb coloniser means 'to colonize'.

Examples

"Les colons ont fondé plusieurs villages."

Natural Translation

The settlers founded several villages.

Related Words

Explore French by topic

FrenchNow

French Greetings: Bonjour, Salut, Coucou Explained

Bonjour, salut, or coucou? Pick the right French greeting every time with a simple two-axis guide to formality and time of day, plus how to say goodbye.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

How to Pronounce the French R (Step by Step)

The French R is a back-of-the-throat sound, not a rolled R. Learn the exact tongue position and a step-by-step drill to build it from sounds you already make.

June 4, 2026 6 min read

FrenchNow

French Adjective Placement: Before or After the Noun?

French adjectives usually follow the noun, but a small common set goes before it — and a few change meaning depending on which side they sit. Here's the rule.

June 4, 2026 5 min read

FrenchNow

French False Friends: 25 Faux Amis to Avoid

French false friends look like English words but mean something else: actuellement is not actually, sensible means sensitive. Here are 25 faux amis to avoid.

June 3, 2026 5 min read