Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

colloquialism

[kuh-loh-kwee-uh-liz-uhm] / kəˈloʊ kwi əˌlɪz əm /
NOUN
idiom
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Hegseth flippantly employed villainous colloquialism – “they are toast and they know it,” “we play for keeps,” and “President Trump got the last laugh” – delivered with a combative tone that communicated masculine self-assurance.

From Salon ● Mar. 10, 2026

From the “daddy’s little girl” colloquialism to pop culture references such as “Daughters” or the #GirlDad hashtag, the fabled bond remains one of our most enduring touchstones.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 22, 2022

A high-style zoot suit, chopped up and reassembled as a textile collage by Michie, is titled “Tacuche #3,” a Mexican colloquialism for “suit” that also means “rags.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 18, 2022

Electrical outlets reappear in his paintings, a reference to the colloquialism, “Are you plugged in?”

From New York Times ● Jun. 16, 2021

Mr. Mosely's editorials are likewise open to criticism on the ground of colloquialism, though the natural exuberance of youth excuses much.

From Writings in the United Amateur, 1915-1922 by H. P. (Howard Phillips) Lovecraft

Gilroy set to work meticulously highlighting the Maine-area colloquialisms and metaphors and building out Detective Mackey as a Javert-type villain, echoing the relentless inspector in Victor Hugo’s "Les Misérables."

From Salon ● Mar. 23, 2025

When Dan answered her questions she says the AI used slang and colloquialisms that ChatGPT would otherwise never use.

From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2024

The plan is to take suggestions—from field marks, Indigenous names, colloquialisms … from anywhere—narrow it down, somehow, to a few options, and let people decide.

From Slate ● Jan. 25, 2024

That year, it adopted a new policy, saying messages should avoid “witticisms, colloquialisms, popular cultural or slang references.”

From Washington Post ● Feb. 13, 2023

But for the pageant, she doesn’t want to hear me speak any street talk, or, as she calls it, colloquialisms.

From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles


Vocabulary lists containing colloquialism

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training