columnist

American  

[kol-uhm-nist, -uh-mist] / ˈkɒl əm nɪst, -ə mɪst /

noun

1. the writer or editor of a newspaper or magazine column.

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columnist British  

/ -əmnɪst, ˈkɒləmɪst /

noun

1. a journalist who writes a regular feature in a newspaper

   a gossip columnist

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Etymology

Origin of columnist

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20; column + -ist

Explanation

A columnist writes regularly for a newspaper or magazine, usually expressing opinions or commentary. A columnist might write an article endorsing a candidate for president one week, and a story about a terrible local fire the next week. If you get a job as a newspaper columnist, you'll be expected to publish on a regular basis, maybe once or twice a week. An advice columnist answers letters that ask for help with personal problems and dilemmas, and a political columnist comments on various current events and political figures. The word columnist comes from a newspaper column, which got that name from the "vertical division of a page" meaning.

Example Sentences

Columnist Callum Borchers has some advice on how to approach that first job out of college—and how not to sabotage future prospects.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 23, 2026

Columnist Patt Morrison recalls the fuel crisis of the 1970s.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

Columnist Dawn Gilbertson tests out whether the perks in United’s Polaris business-class cabin are worth the price.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

Columnist Sumathi Reddy looks at what is holding back widespread use.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

Columnist Julie Jargon has compiled tips on how both partners can get up to speed.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

Related Words

• correspondent
• reporter
• writer