Definition

1. Noun:
   • A vertical supporting structure: In architecture, a column is a tall, cylindrical, upright pillar used to support a building or other structure.
   • A vertical arrangement of items: A column can refer to a vertical line or list of words, numbers, or other data, such as in a table, spreadsheet, or page of text.
   • A regular section of a newspaper or magazine: A column is a recurring article, often expressing opinions, written by a specific author or on a specific topic.
   • A vertical, pillar-like shape: Anything that has a tall, narrow, upright form can be described as a column, such as a column of smoke, water, or light.
   • A military formation: A column is a formation of troops, ships, or vehicles arranged one behind the other in a long line.

Examples of Usage

• Architectural Structure:

  • The ancient temple was supported by massive marble columns.
  • The building's facade features a row of decorative columns.

• Vertical Arrangement:

  • Please add the numbers in the right-hand column.
  • The spreadsheet has a column for names and a column for dates.

• Newspaper/Magazine Section:

  • She writes a weekly advice column for the local paper.
  • I always read the sports column first.

• Pillar-like Shape:

  • A column of steam rose from the kettle.
  • The explosion produced a terrifying column of fire.

• Military Formation:

  • The tanks advanced in a long column along the road.
  • The soldiers marched in a column of fours.

Advanced Usage

• "Fifth column": A group of people who secretly undermine a larger group, such as a nation, from within.

  • The government was worried about a potential fifth column operating in the capital.

• "Agony column" (chiefly British, dated): A newspaper column containing personal advertisements, especially those seeking advice for personal problems.

  • She found the solution to her dilemma in the newspaper's agony column.

• "To dodge the column" (British, informal): To avoid one's fair share of work or duty.

  • He's always trying to dodge the column when it's time to clean the office.

Variants and Related Words

• Columnist (n): A journalist who writes a regular column for a newspaper or magazine.

  • The political columnist offered a sharp critique of the new policy.

• Columnar (adj): Having the form of a column.

  • The data was presented in a columnar format.

• Columned (adj): Having columns.

  • They lived in a beautiful, columned mansion.

Synonyms

• Pillar: A tall vertical structure of stone, wood, or metal, used as a support for a building.
• Post: An upright pole or support.
• Tower: A tall, narrow building or structure, or something resembling one.
• Line: A long, narrow mark or formation.

Related Phrases

• "The spinal column": The spine; the series of vertebrae extending from the skull to the lower back.

  • An injury to the spinal column can be very serious.

• "Storming column": A military unit designated for an assault.

  • The storming column led the attack on the fortress.

• "Gossip column": A section of a newspaper or magazine devoted to rumors and personal news about celebrities.

  • The actress's divorce was all over the gossip columns.

Noun

1. any tubular or pillar-like supporting structure in the body
2. a page or text that is vertically divided
   • the newspaper devoted several columns to the subject
   • the bookkeeper used pages that were divided into columns
3. (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure
4. a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument)
5. an article giving opinions or perspectives
6. anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower
   • the test tube held a column of white powder
   • a tower of dust rose above the horizon
   • a thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite
7. a vertical array of numbers or other information
   • he added a column of numbers
8. a vertical glass tube used in column chromatography; a mixture is poured in the top and washed through a stationary substance where components of the mixture are adsorbed selectively to form colored bands
9. a line of units following one after another