collocation

noun

/ˌkɒl.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/

/ˌkɑː.lə-/ specialized

Definition

B2 [C] (also collocate) a word or phrase that is often used with another word or phrase, in a way that sounds correct to people who have spoken the language all their lives, but might not be expected from the meaning: In the phrase 'a hard frost', 'hard' is a collocation of 'frost' and 'strong' would not sound natural.Sentences and expressions B2 [C] the combination of words formed when two or more words are often used together in a way that sounds correct: The phrase 'a hard frost' is a collocation.Sentences and expressions › [U] the regular use of some words and phrases with others, especially in a way that is difficult to guessSentences and expressions

(Definition of collocation noun from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Focus on the pronunciation of collocation

Browse related topics

You are looking at an entry to do with Linguistics: sentences & expressions, but you might be interested in these topics from the Language topic area: