What does columnist mean?
A columnist is a journalist who writes a regular, usually signed article—known as a column—for a newspaper, magazine, or website. Unlike reporters who deliver impartial news, columnists offer personal commentary, analysis, humour, or advice, and their individual voice is often the main attraction for readers. Columns may cover politics, culture, sport, business, relationships, or everyday life, appearing under fixed titles on a predictable schedule, whether daily, weekly, or monthly. Some become household names whose views shape public debate. The word derives from 'column', itself from Latin 'columna' meaning pillar, reflecting the narrow vertical strip of text that gives the format its name. Related words include 'column' and 'columnar'. A columnist is distinct from a general journalist: while all columnists work within journalism, not every journalist writes a regular opinion piece. The term is standard in both British and American English and carries no particular formality.
nounA journalist who regularly writes a column — a short, recurring article of opinion, commentary, or advice — for a newspaper, magazine, or website.
- A journalist who writes a regular, signed opinion or commentary column for a publication.
- (Less common, extended use) A person who writes a recurring themed feature, such as an advice, gossip, or food column.
"The paper's veteran columnist has skewered three prime ministers without ever losing her readers' affection."
"Her weekly column on city politics made her the most-read columnist in the state."
"Readers wrote in droves to the paper's advice columnist about everything from debt to doomed romances."
Standard plural; used when referring to multiple writers of columns collectively.
"The awards dinner drew columnists from every major national newspaper."
The word 'columnist' literally names the shape of the job: a narrow vertical strip of text called a column, a format newspapers have kept for centuries because it's easier on the eye at speed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of columnist
The word columnist combines 'column', borrowed from Latin 'columna' (pillar), with the agentive suffix '-ist', denoting a person who practises or is associated with something. It emerged in English during the nineteenth century as newspapers consolidated the practice of publishing signed, recurring opinion pieces in narrow vertical columns of type. Its closest relatives are 'column' and the architectural terms derived from the same Latin root, such as 'colonnade'.
How columnist is actually used
Columnists are typically identified by name and byline and are expected to express personal opinions, which distinguishes their work from neutral news reporting. The word carries no strong register bias — equally at home in formal media discussion and casual conversation. In British English, prominent columnists are sometimes informally called 'pundits' or 'hacks', though neither term is exact.
Easily confused with columnist
A journalist is any reporter or writer of news; a columnist specifically writes a regular opinion or commentary piece rather than straight news reporting.