colossus

[ kuh-los-uhs ]

noun

, plural co·los·si [k, uh, -, los, -ahy], co·los·sus·es.

1. (initial capital letter) the legendary bronze statue of Helios at Rhodes. Compare Seven Wonders of the World.
2. any statue of gigantic size.
3. anything colossal, gigantic, or very powerful.

colossus

/ kəˈlɒsəs /

noun

1. something very large, esp a statue

Word History and Origins

Origin of colossus¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin < Greek kolossós statue, image, presumably < a pre-Hellenic Mediterranean language

Word History and Origins

Origin of colossus¹

C14: from Latin, from Greek kolossos

Example Sentences

“He was a colossus, a true votary of ahimsa,” Lal wrote, “and a very compassionate man.”

From Los Angeles Times

His attacks encourage any nation — from those with a mild gripe to the openly hostile — to “have their moment to bring down the colossus,” Hill said.

From Seattle Times

The lawsuit is a direct challenge to the business of Live Nation, a colossus of the entertainment industry and a force in the lives of musicians and fans alike.

From New York Times

Live Nation is a colossus of the concert world and a force in the lives of musicians and fans alike.

From New York Times

Whereas the colossus World Championship track, which is wider with large rollers, was built in a mirrored design so two riders can race in opposite directions at the same time.

From Los Angeles Times