colliers

Colliers is a term with several related meanings rooted in mining and maritime trade. Historically, a collier was a coal miner, especially in Britain and other parts of Europe. The word derives from Old French collier, and collier workers were central to the coal industry during the Industrial Revolution and into the early 20th century, shaping the social and economic fabric of mining regions.

In addition to denoting people, collier also describes a type of ship: the collier, a vessel designed to carry coal. From the 18th through the early 20th centuries, coal trade relied on such ships, with many port towns specialized in loading, transporting, and trading coal across regional and international markets.

In modern usage, Colliers commonly refers to Colliers International, a multinational commercial real estate services firm. The company offers a broad range of services, including brokerage, tenant representation, property management, valuation, and advisory services, with offices around the world. The brand is frequently shortened to Colliers in marketing and communications.

Other uses include geographic and cultural references. For example, there are places named Colliers, such as Colliers in West Virginia, United States, and Colliers as a surname or family name in various regions.