fifth column
fifth column
nounDefinition of FIFTH COLUMN
: a group of secret sympathizers or supporters of an enemy that engage in espionage or sabotage within defense lines or national borders
— fifth col·um·nism \-ˈkä-ləm-ˌ(n)i-zəm\ noun
— fifth col·um·nist \-(n)ist\ noun
Origin of FIFTH COLUMN
name applied to rebel sympathizers in Madrid in 1936 when four rebel columns were advancing on the city
First Known Use: 1936
Learn More About FIFTH COLUMN
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: Fifth day
Previous Word in the Dictionary: fifth
All Words Near: fifth column
Previous Word in the Dictionary: fifth
All Words Near: fifth column
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up fifth column? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
