column

noun

col·​umn ˈkä-ləm How to pronounce column (audio)
 also  ˈkäl-yəm
1
a
: 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
3
a
: 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
columned
ˈkä-ləmd How to pronounce column (audio)
ˈkäl-yəmd
adjective

Illustration of column

Illustration of column
  • column 2

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 That negativity was discussed in this previous column, but once the ball hit the back of the net, both the striker and his team-mates sparked into life and tore their opponents apart on numerous occasions. Adam Digby, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 This column originally ran in the Washington Free Beacon. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 28 Sep. 2024 One section, found on the north side of the church, would have boasted a vaulted ceiling with arches supported by stone columns. Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 26 Sep. 2024 But as the success of Hillbilly Elegy gained him entry to more elite circles—from speaking at the Aspen Institute to writing a column for the New York Times—Vance says his views evolved. Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for column 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'column.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English columne, from Anglo-French columpne, from Latin columna, from columen top; akin to Latin collis hill — more at hill

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of column was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near column

Cite this Entry

“Column.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/column. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

column

noun
col·​umn ˈkäl-əm How to pronounce column (audio)
1
a
: a printed or written vertical arrangement of items
add together the column of numbers
b
: one of two or more vertical sections of a printed page separated by a rule or blank space
c
: a special regular feature in a newspaper or magazine
a sports column
2
: a supporting pillar
especially : one consisting of a usually round shaft, a capital, and a base
3
: something resembling a column in form, position, or function
a column of water
4
: a long row (as of soldiers)
columned adjective
Etymology

Middle English columne "column," from early French colompne (same meaning), from Latin columna "column" — related to colonel

Medical Definition

column

noun
col·​umn ˈkäl-əm How to pronounce column (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on column

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