the oldest university in Britain, established in the mid 12th century in the town of Oxford, England. It has a high reputation for academic achievement. The university consists of a number of separate colleges, the earliest of which is University College (established 1249). Other famous colleges include All Souls, Balliol, Christ Church, Magdalen, New College, St John’s and Trinity. There is one college for women only. All the rest take both male and female students. Among the university’s famous buildings are the Bodleian Library and the Sheldonian Theatre .
See also Greats (1). Compare Cambridge University . ➡ note at Oxbridge .