# column

/ˈkɑɫəm/ (US) · /kˈɒlʌm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/column
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. architecture

noun · CEFR A2

a tall, solid post used to support a roof or as a decoration.

For teachers: a vertical structural element, typically cylindrical, used to support an entablature or roof, or standing alone as a monument.

- The ancient temple was famous for its tall marble columns.
- The architect incorporated slender steel columns into the design to support the weight of the glass roof without obstructing the view.

### 2. data or tables

noun · CEFR A2

a vertical list of numbers or words in a table, going from top to bottom.

For teachers: a vertical arrangement of data or text in a table, chart, or spreadsheet, contrasted with horizontal rows.

- Please add up the numbers in the left-hand column.
- The spreadsheet was difficult to read because the columns were too narrow to display the full names of the participants.

### 3. journalism

noun · CEFR B1

a regular piece of writing in a newspaper or magazine, often by the same writer.

For teachers: a recurring feature or opinion piece in a periodical, typically written by a single author or focused on a specific theme.

- I always read her weekly column about healthy cooking.
- The political analyst used his monthly column to critique the government's latest economic reforms and suggest alternative strategies.

### 4. military

noun · CEFR B2

a long line of soldiers or vehicles moving together.

For teachers: a formation of troops, ships, or vehicles in which they follow one another in a single line or narrow front.

- A long column of tanks moved slowly down the dusty road.
- The supply column was forced to halt when the lead vehicle encountered a washed-out bridge following the heavy rains.

### 5. vertical shape

noun · CEFR B2

something that has a tall, thin, vertical shape.

For teachers: a vertical mass or object resembling a pillar, such as a column of smoke or the spinal column.

- A thick column of black smoke rose from the burning building.
- The surgeon explained that the injury had affected the lower part of the patient's spinal column, causing temporary numbness in the legs.

### 6. chemistry

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a glass tube used in a lab to separate different parts of a liquid.

For teachers: a vertical tube, often filled with a stationary phase, used in chromatography to separate or purify chemical compounds.

- The scientist carefully poured the mixture into the top of the glass column.
- The laboratory technician monitored the pressure within the chromatography column to ensure the compounds were separating at the optimal flow rate for separation.

## Examples

- The white marble columns support the roof of the temple.
- Please enter the total cost of each item in the right-hand column of the spreadsheet.
- The architect chose slender Corinthian columns to provide structural integrity while maintaining the elegant, airy aesthetic required by the client's vision.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.