Definition of structure
1 : the action of building : construction
2a : something (such as a building) that is constructedb : 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 structureb : organization of parts as dominated by the general character of the whole economic structure personality structurec : 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
From the M-W Editors
Examples of structure in a Sentence
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.
Origin and Etymology of structure
Middle English, from Latin structura, from structus, past participle of struere to heap up, build — more at strew
First Known Use: 1560
Examples of structure in a Sentence
She structured the essay chronologically.
1664
First Known Use of structure
1664
STRUCTURE Defined for English Language Learners
structure
playDefinition of structure for English Language Learners
-
: the way that something is built, arranged, or organized
-
: the way that a group of people are organized
-
: something (such as a house, tower, bridge, etc.) that is built by putting parts together and that usually stands on its own
structure
Definition of structure for English Language Learners
-
: to arrange or organize (something) in a particular way
STRUCTURE Defined for Kids
structure
playDefinition of structure for Students
1 : something built or arranged in a definite way He entered a small brick structure. We studied leaves and other plant structures.
2 : the manner in which something is built, arranged, or organized the structure of the body
Word Root of structure
The Latin word struere, meaning “to build,” and its form structus give us the root struct. Words from the Latin struere have something to do with building. A structure is something that was built, such as a house. To construct is to build by combining parts together. To obstruct is to build an obstacle that blocks a passage or path. Destruction is the process of taking apart something that was built.
Medical Dictionary
structure
playMedical Definition of structure
1: something (as an anatomical part) arranged in a definite pattern of organization
2a: the arrangement of particles or parts in a substance or body molecular structureb: 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
Learn More about structure
-
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for structure Spanish Central: Translation of structure Nglish: Translation of structure for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of structure for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up structure? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!