English Profile

column · noun C

/ˈkɒl.əm/Full view

column (PRINTING)

B2 one of the blocks of print into which a page of a newspaper, magazine, or dictionary is divided

Dictionary example:

I didn't have time to read the whole article - just the first column.

Learner example:

To the editor, I am puzzled by the report which appeared on yesterday's page 2, second column, concerning the Westfield Music Festival. (First Certificate in English; B2; Chinese)

column (BUILDING)

B2 a tall, solid, usually stone post which is often used to support a roof or as decoration in a building

Dictionary examples:

The roof of the temple was held up by a row of thick stone columns.

Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square

Learner example:

There are a lot [of] columns outside and inside the restaurant, in Doric [style]. (First Certificate in English; B2; Russian)

column (NUMBERS/WORDS)

C1 any block of numbers or words written one under the other

Dictionary examples:

the left-hand/right-hand column

Choose an adjective from Column A to use with a noun in Column B.

Put your expenditure in column B.

Learner example:

A[t] the end of the course I had to complete a student questionnaire in which we had to tick in three columns, and the points were: good, adequate, needs improvement. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Portuguese)