column

noun

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col·umn | \ ˈkä-ləm

also ˈkäl-yəm \

Definition of column

1a : a vertical arrangement of items printed or written on a page columns of numbers

b : one of two or more vertical sections of a printed page separated by a rule or blank space The news article takes up three columns.

c : an accumulation arranged vertically : stack columns of paint cans

d : one in a usually regular series of newspaper or magazine articles the gossip column advice columns

2 : a supporting pillar especially : one consisting of a usually round shaft, a capital, and a base a colonnade of marble columns

3a : something resembling a column in form, position, or function a column of water columns of smoke

b : a tube or cylinder in which a chromatographic separation takes place

4 : a long row (as of soldiers) columns of troops

5 : one of the vertical lines of elements of a determinant or matrix

6 : a statistical category or grouping put another game in the win column

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Other Words from column Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing column Learn More About column

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Examples of column in a Sentence

a facade with marble columns Add the first column of numbers. The article takes up three columns. The error appears at the bottom of the second column. She writes a weekly column for the paper.

Recent Examples on the Web Other than in their encounters with one another, there has been a distinct lack of this column’s favorite quality: jeopardy. — New York Times, 6 May 2022 Backlighted by the sun, the tiered fountain of splashing light is a virtual silhouette that fronts the classical base of the famous column to Lord Nelson, hero of a naval victory in the Napoleonic Wars. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2022 Russian officials have not yet responded to Ukraine’s claims about the ambush or about the destruction of an entire column. — Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 14 Apr. 2022 David Oyelowo, the author of this guest column, is an actor, director and producer who has been nominated for Critics Choice, Golden Globe and SAG awards. — David Oyelowo, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Apr. 2022 But sometimes that underdog status persists regardless of the wins column, regardless of championships, regardless even of dynasties. — Longreads, 6 Apr. 2022 Over the years, people have wondered about the origin of the column’s title. — Washington Post, 30 Mar. 2022 The creek’s flow slowed, so sediment dropped out of the water column and began refining the stream’s shape and bed. — Erica Gies, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2022 Each instalment of Refinery29's bi-monthly column features a personal essay that explores the unique joys and challenges of being single right now. — Erica Finamore, refinery29.com, 3 Mar. 2022 See More

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

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Dictionary Entries Near column

columelliform

column

columnal

Statistics for column

Last Updated

14 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Column.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/column. Accessed 24 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for column

column

noun

col·umn | \ ˈkä-ləm

Kids Definition of column

1 : one of two or more vertical sections of a printed page Read the article in the left column.

2 : a group of items shown one under the other down a page a column of figures

3 : a regular feature in a newspaper or magazine a sports column

4 : a pillar used to support a building

5 : something that is tall or thin in shape or arrangement a column of smoke

6 : a long straight row a column of soldiers

column

noun

col·umn | \ ˈkäl-əm

Medical Definition of column

: a longitudinal subdivision of the spinal cord that resembles a column or pillar: as

a : any of the principal longitudinal subdivisions of gray matter or white matter in each lateral half of the spinal cord — see dorsal horn, gray column, lateral column sense 1, ventral horn — compare funiculus sense a

b : any of a number of smaller bundles of spinal nerve fibers : fasciculus