I think they stopped being colonies because they won (or were given a measure of) independence.
Here's what Webster's says:
Quote:
1. a group of people who leave their native
country to form in a new land a
settlement subject to, or connected
with, the parent nation.
2. the country or district so settled.
3. any people or territory separated from
but subject to a ruling power.
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Specifically, meaning #1 would best support my understanding, but I guess it could mean what Soccerdude said as well...aaaaand I think I'm well on the way to landing this thread in Chit Chat.
