agony column

noun

1
chiefly British : a newspaper column of personal advertisements relating especially to missing relatives or friends
2
chiefly British : a newspaper column that includes letters from readers seeking personal advice and the columnist's replies

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Years later, Paul settles down alone in the countryside to run something called the Frogworth Valley Artisanal Cheese Company and acquires a taste for reading lachrymose agony columns in the local newspaper. New York Times, 26 Apr. 2018 Years later, Paul settles down alone in the countryside to run something called the Frogworth Valley Artisanal Cheese Company and acquires a taste for reading lachrymose agony columns in the local newspaper. New York Times, 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'agony column.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of agony column was in 1854

Dictionary Entries Near agony column

Cite this Entry

“Agony column.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/agony%20column. Accessed 28 Mar. 2023.

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