colleen

word

Definition

A colleen is a term for a young Irish girl or woman. It is especially used in literature or poetry to evoke Irish culture.

Usage & Nuances

'Colleen' is somewhat old-fashioned and mainly appears in literary, poetic, or nostalgic contexts about Irish culture. It is rarely used in modern spoken English. Do not use it as a casual way to refer to any girl.

Example Sentences

The story is about a young colleen who lives by the sea.

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In Irish songs, you often hear the word colleen to describe a beautiful girl.

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The poet wrote about the green hills and a sweet colleen.

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He fell in love with a charming colleen he met at the village festival.

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You don’t hear people say colleen much outside of Irish folk stories nowadays.

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Whenever grandpa tells tales of the old country, he always mentions a brave colleen.

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