colossal

[ kuh-los-uhl ]

adjective

1. extraordinarily great in size, extent, or degree; gigantic; huge.
2. of or resembling a colossus.
3. (initial capital letter) Architecture. noting or pertaining to a classical order whose columns or pilasters span two or more stories of a building.

colossal

/ kəˈlɒsəl /

adjective

1. of immense size; huge; gigantic
2. (in figure sculpture) approximately twice life-size Compare heroic
3. Alsogiant architect of or relating to the order of columns and pilasters that extend more than one storey in a façade

Derived Forms

• coˈlossally, adverb

Other Words From

• col·os·sal·i·ty [kol-, uh, -, sal, -i-tee], noun
• co·lossal·ly adverb
• super·co·lossal adjective
• super·co·lossal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of colossal¹

First recorded in 1705–15; coloss(us) + -al ¹

Synonym Study

See gigantic.

Example Sentences

“It was a colossal failure for her campaign to shine the spotlight on Trump more than on Harris’s own ideas,” he added.

From BBC

The colossal piece of public art was created by Robert Vargas and faces a mural that Vargas painted of another legendary pitcher, Shohei Ohtani, on 1st Street.

From Los Angeles Times

Jenrick has approached the contest as the underdog – and approached it with colossal energy too, doing 250 events and meeting around 20,000 party members.

From BBC

However, Pemex’s ongoing economic difficulties mean the Sheinbaum administration has its hands tied over servicing the colossal debt.

From BBC

With an estimated 10,000 rats on Rathlin, the work required to begin eradicating them has been colossal.

From BBC

Related Words

• enormous
• gargantuan
• gigantic
• huge
• immense
• jumbo
• mammoth
• monstrous
• vast