Colossus/kəˈlɑːsəs/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Giant Used to describe something extremely big or significant, but not necessarily a person. The new skyscraper is a colossus in the city skyline. Pro Tip 2/3Overwhelming Presence Suggests something impressive or dominant in its field or area. In the world of technology, this corporation is a true colossus. Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Literal Can be used figuratively to express the idea of being exceptionally influential. He is considered a colossus of modern literature.