columnist

noun

col·​um·​nist ˈkä-ləm-nist How to pronounce columnist (audio)
-lə-mist
also ˈkäl-yəm-nist, 
-yə-mist
Synonyms of columnistnext
: one who writes a newspaper or magazine column
columnistic
ˌkä-ləm-ˈni-stik How to pronounce columnist (audio)
also ˌkäl-yəm-
adjective

Examples of columnist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Championship rings are not used as a measuring stick only by overcaffeinated fans and simpleminded columnists and talk-show hosts. — Ian O'Connor, New York Times, 30 July 2026 The columnist has spent nearly two decades at the Times and is an author of numerous books. — Jocelyn Noveck, Fortune, 29 July 2026 Conservative New York Times columnist Ross Douthat will be a correspondent for the newsmagazine broadcast, according to an email obtained by USA TODAY. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Commentary and opinions Republicans want to turn the clock back — to the red-baiting 1950s, columnist Michael Hiltzik argues. — Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for columnist

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of columnist was in 1917

Phrases Containing columnist

Browse Nearby Words

column inch
columnist
column of Lissauer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Columnist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/columnist. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

columnist

noun
col·​um·​nist ˈkäl-əm-(n)əst How to pronounce columnist (audio)
: a person who writes a newspaper or magazine column
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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