Colonialism is etymologically derived from the latin term colonia, originally a designation for a type of city or outpost that was founded and populated by newly settled roman citizens at the direction of the roman government. Colonial furniture or buildings are in the style of a…. Having the status of a colony. Colonial powers typically attempt to impose their languages and cultures on the indigenous people of the countries they colonize. They bought a colonial on a quiet street. The higher taxes caused increasing tension between colonials and the mother country. How to use colonial in a sentence. Relating to a colony or colonialism: They live in a colonial (style) house. The meaning of colonial is of, relating to, or characteristic of a colony : · colonialism occurs when people from one country settle in another country to exploit its people and natural resources.