struc·ture
ˈstrək-chər 
1
: the action of building : construction
2
a
: something (such as a building) that is constructed
b
: something arranged in a definite pattern of organization
a rigid totalitarian structure—
J. L. Hess
J. L. Hessleaves and other plant structures
3
: manner of construction : makeup
Gothic in structure
4
a
: the arrangement of particles or parts in a substance or body
soil structure
molecular structure
b
: organization of parts as dominated by the general character of the whole
economic structure
personality structure
c
: coherent form or organization
tried to give some structure to the children's lives
5
: the aggregate of elements of an entity in their relationships to each other
the structure of a language
structured; structuring
ˈstrək-chə-riŋ
ˈstrək-shriŋ
Synonyms
Examples of structure in a Sentence
Noun
They studied the compound's molecular structure.
The film had a simple narrative structure.
the structure of a plant
the social structure of a college campus
changes to the company's power structure
The structure was damaged by fire.
Children need a lot of structure in their lives.
Verb
She structured the essay chronologically.
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Recent Examples on the WebAshok Sharma and Aijaz Hussain, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2023
What was still to define was the structure of the leadership.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 Sep. 2023
The residence, which sits on a private cul-de-sac, is wrapped in Alaskan cedar board siding and comprises three, two-story structures that offer either Atlantic Ocean or pastoral Sagg Pond views.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2023
Located in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, the mammoth structure once held an arena for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies.
—Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 1 Sep. 2023
Unfortunately, such structures are often expensive and/or time consuming, which is why many gardeners opt for something easier.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2023
That means Oregon State and Washington State are the lone standing structures in the ashes of a conference that traces its roots to 1915.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Sep. 2023
The Cypress native has the weapons on the outside, the structure on the offensive line and an offensive coordinator who has the experience to lead a high-power offense.
—Grant Gaspard, Dallas News, 1 Sep. 2023
That includes the site of Fiserv Forum's parking structure − with Five Fifty Ultra Lofts apartments built next door.
—Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2023
David English, PCMAG, 15 Sep. 2023
One of the complications facing the U.A.W. and the White House is that the Big Three have structured their E.V. partnerships as separate companies, which aren’t subject to the collective-bargaining agreements that cover existing plants.
—John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023
The revenue-sharing contracts could be spun as pro-competitive, for instance, because Google structured them to allow Android phone makers like Samsung to lower device prices and better compete with Apple.
—Paresh Dave, WIRED, 10 Sep. 2023
Directed by Mexican auteur Michel Franco, Memory stars Chastain as Sylvia, a social worker who lives a simple life structured around her daughter, her job and her AA meetings.
—Alex Ritman, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2023
Written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, this world premiere is structured as a cooking show, and viewers are meant to be a live audience in a TV studio.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2023
The loans, which can be used for down payments and closing costs, are structured as a second mortgage, which means they aren’t repaid month by month.
—Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2023
Arguably, the best part of this bag is the half-suitcase design where the bottom section is structured for protection and the top half is made with a durable PVC fabric.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2023
Speed-dating is structured mingling that usually involves two groups: a stationary group and a mobile group.
—Elena Giardina, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2023
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Noun
The advanced warning can protect the satellites that are the backbone of the global economic structure as well as the people living in space stations.
—Ashok Sharma and Aijaz Hussain, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2023
What was still to define was the structure of the leadership.
—Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 2 Sep. 2023
The residence, which sits on a private cul-de-sac, is wrapped in Alaskan cedar board siding and comprises three, two-story structures that offer either Atlantic Ocean or pastoral Sagg Pond views.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 1 Sep. 2023
Located in downtown Memphis, Tennessee, the mammoth structure once held an arena for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies.
—Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 1 Sep. 2023
Unfortunately, such structures are often expensive and/or time consuming, which is why many gardeners opt for something easier.
—Jeanette Marantos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2023
That means Oregon State and Washington State are the lone standing structures in the ashes of a conference that traces its roots to 1915.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Sep. 2023
The Cypress native has the weapons on the outside, the structure on the offensive line and an offensive coordinator who has the experience to lead a high-power offense.
—Grant Gaspard, Dallas News, 1 Sep. 2023
That includes the site of Fiserv Forum's parking structure − with Five Fifty Ultra Lofts apartments built next door.
—Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2023
Verb
Epson has the unenviable task of having to structure the software interface to appeal to both beginners and experienced users.
—David English, PCMAG, 15 Sep. 2023
One of the complications facing the U.A.W. and the White House is that the Big Three have structured their E.V. partnerships as separate companies, which aren’t subject to the collective-bargaining agreements that cover existing plants.
—John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2023
The revenue-sharing contracts could be spun as pro-competitive, for instance, because Google structured them to allow Android phone makers like Samsung to lower device prices and better compete with Apple.
—Paresh Dave, WIRED, 10 Sep. 2023
Directed by Mexican auteur Michel Franco, Memory stars Chastain as Sylvia, a social worker who lives a simple life structured around her daughter, her job and her AA meetings.
—Alex Ritman, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2023
Written and directed by Daryl D. Brooks, this world premiere is structured as a cooking show, and viewers are meant to be a live audience in a TV studio.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2023
The loans, which can be used for down payments and closing costs, are structured as a second mortgage, which means they aren’t repaid month by month.
—Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2023
Arguably, the best part of this bag is the half-suitcase design where the bottom section is structured for protection and the top half is made with a durable PVC fabric.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 31 Aug. 2023
Speed-dating is structured mingling that usually involves two groups: a stationary group and a mobile group.
—Elena Giardina, BostonGlobe.com, 2 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'structure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing structure
Dictionary Entries Near structure
Cite this Entry
“Structure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/structure. Accessed 22 Sep. 2023.
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Kids Definition
structure
1 of 2 noun
struc·ture
ˈstrək-chər
1
: the action of building : construction
2
: something constructed or arranged in a definite pattern of organization
3
: manner of construction : the arrangement or relationship of elements (as particles, parts, or organs) in a substance, body, or system
soil structure
the structure of a plant
molecular structure
social structure
the structure of a language
structure
2 of 2 verb
structured; structuring
ˈstrək-chə-riŋ
ˈstrək-shriŋ
: to form into a structure : organize
Medical Definition
structure
noun
struc·ture
ˈstrək-chər
1
: something (as an anatomical part) arranged in a definite pattern of organization
2
a
: the arrangement of particles or parts in a substance or body
molecular structure
b
: organization of parts as dominated by the general character of the whole
personality structure
3
: the aggregate of elements of an entity in their relationships to each other
More from Merriam-Webster on structure
Nglish: Translation of structure for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of structure for Arabic Speakers
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