Colony/ˈkɑːləni/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Historical Importance Historical context suggests dominance and control over the colonized region. India was once a colony under British rule. Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Sensitivity The term may carry negative connotations of oppression and exploitation. He studied how the colony's resources were exploited. Pro Tip 3/3Modern Usage Today, 'colony' can refer to regions with autonomy but linked to another country. Puerto Rico is often referred to as a U.S. colony.