A columnA long, narrow section of text or data arranged straight down. can mean several different things in English, from a newspaper opinion piece to a vertical support or a block of numbers on a page. The most common everyday uses are the newspaper/text layout meanings, but the word also has technicalUsed in a specialized subject, not in ordinary everyday language. and architecturalRelating to the design and building of structures. senses.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ˈkɑləm/
Easy pronunciation: KAH-lum (approximate spelling).
Stress: Stress the first syllable: KAH-lum.
Use this for the noun meaning a vertically divided section of a page, screen, or newspaper layout.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Column Meaning
One of the vertical sections on a page, screen, or newspaper layout.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a page or text that is vertically divided
Example: Please put the figures in the right-hand column.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- column — The same word is used for this layout sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Column
Meaning 2
A regular newspaper or magazine article where someone shares opinions.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: an article giving opinions or perspectives
Example: She writes a weekly column about city life.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- editorial — Can work for an opinion piece, but it is often more specific and not always interchangeable.
- newspaper column — A direct match for this publishing sense.
Meaning 3
A straight vertical set of figures or items in a table.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a vertical array of numbers or other information
Example: Add the numbers in the last column.
Meaning 4
Something long and upright, shaped like a column.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower
Example: A column of smoke rose into the sky.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- pillar — Close in shape, but often suggests a solid support or monument rather than any column-like shape.
- tower — Can suggest great height, but is not a true synonym in many contexts.
Meaning 5
A free-standing upright stone or metal structure, often used as a monument.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument)
Example: The old square had a Roman column in the center.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- pillar — Works well for a free-standing upright monument-like structure.
Meaning 6
A tall upright support in a building.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: (architecture) a tall vertical cylindrical structure standing upright and used to support a structure
Example: The temple is supported by stone columns.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- pillar — A strong substitute in architectural contexts.
Meaning 7
A line of people, vehicles, or soldiers moving one behind another.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a line of units following one after another
Example: The hikers walked in a single column.
Meaning 8
A support-like structure inside the body.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: any tubular or pillar-like supporting structure in the body
Example: The doctor described the spinal column as the body’s main support.
Meaning 9
A lab tube used in chromatography to separate substances.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: 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
Example: The chemist loaded the sample into the chromatography column.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- chromatography column — A direct technical term for this laboratory device.
Meaning 10
A free-standing upright stone or metal structure, often used as a monument.
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a vertical cylindrical structure standing alone and not supporting anything (such as a monument)
Example: The old square had a Roman column in the center.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- pillar — Works well for a free-standing upright monument-like structure.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Column Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- newspaper column
opinion article
- editorial
- newspaper column
architectural support or monument-like upright structure
- pillar
chromatography device
- chromatography column
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: inaccurate — correction needed. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- Do not confuse column as a newspaper article with column as a vertical layout section on a page.
- Do not treat pillar as a synonym in every sense; it fits some structural senses but not table columns or newspaper columns.
- Do not use tower as a general synonym for column.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does column mean in a newspaper?
It means a regular article, usually by the same writer, that gives opinions, commentary, or a personal viewpoint.
What does column mean in a table or spreadsheet?
It means a vertical set of cells, numbers, or items.
Is pillar a synonym for column?
Sometimes. It works well for a structural or monument-like column, but not for a newspaper column or a column in a table.
What is the most common meaning of column?
In everyday use, it often means a vertical section on a page or screen, or a newspaper article written by a regular contributor.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-13. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.