collaborative
/kəˈlæb.ə.ɹə.tɪv/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: collaboratives
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Of, relating to, or done by collaboration.
Adjective
Examples
No need to thank me - it was a collaborative effort.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
An organized group of people or entities who collaborate towards a particular goal
Noun
Examples
1895, (no by-line), "In The Halls of Learning: Columbian University", The Evening Times (Washington, DC) (19 October 1895, page 2) -- this appears to be a unique usage; very difficult to find non-adjectival uses prior to the 1970s
In the literature class, which is conducted by Prof. George J. Smith,
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “collaborative” mean?
Of, relating to, or done by collaboration.
Is “collaborative” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.