C1noun10K+

Columnist

UK /["/ˈkɒləmnɪst/"]/US /["/ˈkɑːləmnɪst/"]/

Definition

a journalist who writes regular articles for a newspaper or magazine

In simple words: A person who writes regular articles for a newspaper or magazine.

Examples

  • a **newspaper columnist**

Usage notes

Used in journalism contexts. Appropriate for discussions about writing and media. Not commonly used in informal settings.

Grammar pattern

noun + 'is a' + journalist type

Memory hint

Think 'column' + 'ist' — a writer filling columns in newspapers with their thoughts.

Collocations

  • political columnist
  • opinion columnist
  • weekly columnist
  • famous columnist

Synonyms

  • editor
  • opinion writer
  • reporter
  • contributor

Antonyms

  • reader
  • audience

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'journalist' — a columnist writes opinion pieces, while a journalist covers news.
  • Using inappropriately in casual conversation or with slang.
  • Mispronouncing the word, often as 'columnest'.