structure

noun

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struc·ture | \ ˈstrək-chər

Definition of structure

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the action of building : construction

2a : something (such as a building) that is constructed

b : something arranged in a definite pattern of organization a rigid totalitarian structure— J. L. Hess leaves and other plant structures

3 : manner of construction : makeup Gothic in structure

4a : 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

structure

verb

structured; structuring\ ˈstrək-chə-riŋ

, ˈstrək-shriŋ \

Definition of structure (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to form into or according to a structure

2 : construct

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

Other Words from structure

Noun

structureless \ ˈstrək-chər-ləs

\ adjective

structurelessness \ ˈstrək-chər-ləs-nəs

\ noun

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. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun The current structure is Dovers oldest municipal building, a status that places a premium on the historic preservation of the place. — Thomas Farragher, BostonGlobe.com, 29 July 2022 There’s still no confirmation as to whether the Globes will return to NBC in 2023, but the new ownership structure is likely a step forward in potentially making that happen. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 28 July 2022 The structure of the package is the result of some quirks of the US political system. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, 28 July 2022 This eclectic structure in the foothills of South Mountain is one of the Phoenix Points of Pride. — Shanti Lerner, The Arizona Republic, 27 July 2022 West Allis has two National Registry recognized historic districts, but a structure outside both is one of the oldest and most unique. — Eddie.morales@jrn.com, Journal Sentinel, 26 July 2022 Alibaba’s partnership structure is uncommon among technology companies around the world. — Raffaele Huang, WSJ, 26 July 2022 The structure was very solid and scored well in our testing for durability. — Madison Yauger, PEOPLE.com, 22 July 2022 Kyle Dubbs of the Montana Department of Transportation said the old structure was a wooden bridge. — From Usa Today Network And Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 18 July 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Moreover, emphasizing basic movement patterns is a stellar way to structure a workout that’s effective and time-efficient. — Jenny Mccoy, SELF, 19 Feb. 2022 Here’s one way to structure a workout using both stable and unstable weight exercises: Jump rope for several minutes. — Outside Online, 13 Nov. 2019 Their application uses large amounts of historical data from insurance portfolios to structure financial assets that can have stable and predictable returns. — Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 5 July 2022 The Zion Williamson situation in New Orleans will be interiguing, as the Pelicans decide how much to offer to — or safely structure a deal for — a No. 1 pick who has missed the majority of his first three NBA seasons because of injury issues. — Tim Reynolds, San Francisco Chronicle, 29 June 2022 Hobbies Can Pay Off at Tax Time Deductions from hobbies and side projects, which the ultrawealthy can structure as businesses, are another fun option. — Paul Kiel, ProPublica, 29 June 2022 Remote work allows employees to be more efficient by cutting out morning and evening commutes, thus giving them the flexibility to structure their day in a way that works for them. — Sid Sijbrandij, Fortune, 21 June 2022 In this example, the solution is to structure the task — take planting pansies, for example — with a step-by-step process. — Nicole Cammorata, BostonGlobe.com, 19 June 2022 Based in London, the company has helped to structure innovative deals for factual and documentary content over the years. — Manori Ravindran, Variety, 6 June 2022 See More

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