Column
/ˈkɒləm/
Definitions
2 meaningsA vertical post or pillar, typically cylindrical, used as a structural support.
/ˈkɒləm/
A vertical support
The columns of the Greek temple were beautifully carved.
💡 Simply: Imagine a strong, tall pole holding up a roof – that's a column!
👶 For kids: A tall, strong stick that holds things up.
More Examples
The weight of the roof rested on the sturdy columns.
How It's Used
"The ancient temple boasted majestic columns."
"The bridge's stability relies on strong supporting columns."
A vertical section or division of a printed page or screen, often containing text or data.
/ˈkɒləm/
A vertical section in a document
The author's weekly column is very popular.
💡 Simply: Like lines going straight down a page; newspapers and spreadsheets have columns.
👶 For kids: Lines going down a page, like in a newspaper.
More Examples
Each column in the database represents a different piece of information.
How It's Used
"The newspaper's opinion column was always controversial."
"Enter the data into the appropriate column of the spreadsheet."
Idioms & expressions
In the same column
Sharing the same vertical section or alignment.
"Their names appeared in the same column of the phone book."
From Latin *columna, meaning 'pillar'. The architectural sense is the oldest, with the metaphorical uses developing later.
The word's architectural meaning predates its use in the context of printed pages.
Memory tip
Think of the columns holding up a building.