Colleague

/ˈkɒliːɡ/

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonPerson
1 meaning1 question

Definitions

1

A fellow worker; a person with whom one works, especially in a profession or business.

/ˈkɒliːɡ/

nounneutralBeginner
Person

A person you work with, especially in a professional capacity.

I met a new colleague today.

💡 Simply: A colleague is someone you work with. Like, if you're building a LEGO castle, your colleagues are the other people helping you.

👶 For kids: Someone you work with at your job.

More Examples

2

My colleagues and I are working on a big project.

How It's Used

Workplace

"I had lunch with a colleague from the marketing department."

Academia

"She collaborated with her colleagues on a research project."

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

From Latin *colleague, from *col- (together) + *legāre (to send as an ambassador or envoy). Originally referred to those who held office together.

The word's usage has remained relatively consistent since its adoption into English, primarily referring to individuals in joint professions or offices.

Memory tip

Think 'co-worker' - colleagues work together.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"One who shares duties or labors with another"

close colleaguetrusted colleaguework with colleagues

Common misspellings

colleguecoleeguecolleaguee

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written