a vertical structure that is used to support weight, such as a pillar or post, a regular article or feature in a newspaper or magazine, a vertical arrangement of numbers or other data

pillar to post, column inches, on the same wavelength

a column of smoke, a column of troops, a gossip column

Formal and Informal Expressions of column

In different contexts, you can replace 'column' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'pillar, post' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'upright, thing' is a commonplace synonym.

column: Explore its Definition & Usage

column Definition

1a vertical structure that is used to support weight, such as a pillar or post
2a regular article or feature in a newspaper or magazine
3a vertical arrangement of numbers or other data

Using column: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "column" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The building's entrance was flanked by two marble columns.
Example
The newspaper has a weekly column on politics.
Example
The spreadsheet had a column for each month's sales figures.

column Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for column

Antonyms for column

Idioms Using column

pillar to post
to move from one place or situation to another without making progress or achieving anything
Example
After losing his job, he went from pillar to post trying to find work.
column inches
the amount of space given to an article in a newspaper or magazine, measured in vertical length and width
Example
The story received a lot of attention, with several newspapers devoting entire pages of column inches to it.
on the same wavelength
to be in agreement or understanding with someone else
Example
We're definitely on the same wavelength when it comes to politics - we both think the government needs to do more to help the poor.

Phrases with column

a column of smoke
a vertical stream of smoke rising into the air
Example
A column of smoke could be seen rising from the burning building.
a column of troops
a formation of soldiers marching in a line, one behind the other
Example
The army marched in a column of troops towards the enemy's position.
a gossip column
a section of a newspaper or magazine that contains news and rumors about the private lives of celebrities and public figures
Example
She always reads the gossip column to keep up with the latest celebrity news.

Origins of column

from Latin 'columna', meaning 'pillar'

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Summary: column in Brief

The term 'column' [ˈkɑːləm] refers to a vertical structure used for support, such as a pillar or post. It can also refer to a regular article or feature in a newspaper or magazine, or a vertical arrangement of data. Examples include 'The building's entrance was flanked by two marble columns,' and 'The spreadsheet had a column for each month's sales figures.' Idioms like 'pillar to post' denote moving from one place or situation to another without progress, while 'on the same wavelength' means being in agreement.