VocabDictionary

column

/ˈkɒl.əm/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

An upright pillar, typically cylindrical and made of stone or concrete, supporting an entablature, arch, or other structure.

Example Sentences:
  • “The ancient temple was surrounded by massive marble columns.”
  • “The roof was held up by a single central column.”
2.noun

A vertical division of a page or screen, or a recurring piece of writing in a newspaper or magazine.

Example Sentences:
  • “The newspaper article was printed in three narrow columns.”
  • “She writes a weekly advice column for the local paper.”
3.noun

A long, vertical arrangement of people, vehicles, or objects moving in a line.

Example Sentences:
  • “A long column of tanks moved slowly down the highway.”
  • “The protesters marched in a column toward the city hall.”
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “column”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'columna', meaning 'pillar' or 'post'. It shares a root with 'culmen' (top or summit), reflecting the architectural function of a column supporting a structure. The sense of a vertical arrangement of text or data evolved later from the visual resemblance to architectural columns on a page.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a tall, vertical 'column' of soldiers standing straight like the stone pillars of a Greek temple.

Frequently Asked Questions About “column”

1. What is the meaning of “column” in English?

In English, column (noun) is defined as: “An upright pillar, typically cylindrical and made of stone or concrete, supporting an entablature, arch, or other structure.”.

2. How do you use “column” in a sentence?

“The ancient temple was surrounded by massive marble columns.”

3. What are English synonyms of “column”?

Common synonyms include:pillar,post,section,file,series

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “column”?

Derived from the Latin 'columna', meaning 'pillar' or 'post'. It shares a root with 'culmen' (top or summit), reflecting the architectural function of a column supporting a structure. The sense of a vertical arrangement of text or data evolved later from the visual resemblance to architectural columns on a page.