column

noun

ˈkä-ləm How to pronounce column (audio)
Definition of columnnext
1
as in line
a series of persons or things arranged one behind another a column of ants stretched between the fallen hot dog and the ant hill

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in pilaster
an upright shaft that supports an overhead structure engraved columns supported the arch on either side

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of column Concerned Of the 46 players listed in the first two columns of the depth chart on offense or defense in last week’s game release, 17 have dealt with injury during camp. — Dan Wiederer, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The column argues that Sheriff Chad Bianco’s seizure of more than 650,000 Proposition 50 ballots was an unprecedented intrusion into the election process that threatened the integrity of the vote and the chain of custody for ballots. — Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 The Treasury Department didn’t immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment on Druckenmiller’s column. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 25 Aug. 2026 This very column exists because thoughtful conversations about work help people learn, grow, and build better workplaces. — Johnny C. Taylor Jr, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for column
Recent Examples of Synonyms for column
  1. line
  2. pilaster
  3. queue
  4. pillar
  5. row
  6. string
  7. file
Noun
  • Both the private-label line and the wider retail assortment were initially available in 150 Old Navy stores in a grab-and-go concept, with 45 of those stores also featuring dedicated beauty shops-in-shop as part of the pilot.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • With Javonte Williams leading the backfield and a solid offensive line giving Prescott time in the pocket, Dallas has all the firepower needed to rank near the top of the league in total yardage and points once again.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of line
Noun
  • The small saints on side pilasters were sold off on the antiques market.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Even now, its fins and pilasters adorn plenty of new construction, and in real-estate-speak, the phrase is code for high class.
    — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 June 2026
Definition of pilaster
Noun
  • The identity of the second institution to receive a notice will say whether the queue keeps running through replaceable nodes or reaches for something harder to substitute.
    — Güney Yıldız, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Over the opening weekend of the Premier League season, versions of this conversation are ubiquitous across the country — in pubs, queues at burger vans, stadiums, online, at home.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of queue
Noun
  • Volkswagen’s prosperity was recently based on two pillars – huge profits earned in China, and the highly successful German base where its engineers led the world for decades in making and exporting advanced sedans and SUVs.
    — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Narrower set of engines Next week's nonfarm payrolls report could also give some reassurance on how the economy is doing, which remains robust but with weakening pillars of support.
    — Sarah Min, CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of pillar
Noun
  • The standard 3-row, 7-seat configuration is anticipated to start above US$100,000.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Inside, rows of in-house brand American Hat Company (manufactured in Bowie) line the walls, and customers queue up for sessions with its team of experienced shapers.
    — Christine Lennon, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of row
Noun
  • Wilson was back on the practice field Sunday, despite missing much of training camp with an injury, and will likely open the season as Seattle’s third-string running back.
    — Andrew Destin, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Third-party sellers who hawk their wares on Amazon's marketplace have recently criticized surging advertising costs on the site, including a string of recent policy changes, which led to some top merchants withholding their ad spend in a boycott.
    — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of string
Noun
  • And before accepting a bank’s no as the final word, ask someone who works with alternative documentation every day whether the file that failed a tax-return test would pass a bank-statement one.
    — Karen Koehler, Miami Herald, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Those tools include unlimited messages with ChatGPT, searches, file uploads, image generation and other plugins and connectors.
    — Samuel O’Neal August 31, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of file

Phrases Containing column

Browse Nearby Words

columbarium
column
columnist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Column.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/column. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on column

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about column

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of conscientious

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All