A colony is a settlement of people who move to a distant land but remain connected to their original country. When the Pilgrims crossed the Atlantic Ocean and founded Plymouth in 1620, they created a colony: they lived in America but were still subjects of England. Spain established colonies throughout Central and South America. France created colonies in Canada and the Caribbean.

The people who move to a colony are called colonists or settlers. The country that controls the colony is called the mother country or colonial power. Colonies existed throughout history as countries expanded their territory and influence. The thirteen colonies along America's east coast eventually broke away from Britain to form the United States.

The word also describes animal settlements. A colony of ants might contain thousands of individuals working together in an organized society. Penguins nest together in colonies. Bees live in colonies where each bee has a specific role.

In both senses, notice the key idea: a group living together in a new place, connected by common origins and usually working as an organized community. Whether we're talking about British colonists in Virginia or a colony of bats in a cave, the word suggests both separation from the original home and connection to it.