columnist

The word “columnist” means a writer who regularly contributes a signed opinion or feature piece to a newspaper or magazine. In plain terms, someone whose job is writing a recurring opinion or feature piece, as opposed to a reporter covering breaking news.

“Columnist” is pronounced KO-luh-mihst (/ˈkɑ.ləm.nɪst/ in IPA).

Here is “columnist” used in a sentence: “The columnist's sharp political commentary won her a loyal readership.”

“Columnist” is a noun.

“Columnist” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

A columnist regularly contributes a signed opinion or feature piece to a newspaper or magazine, focusing on personal viewpoint or analysis, while a reporter primarily gathers and reports factual news. Columnists are expected to express opinion, whereas reporters generally aim for neutral fact-based coverage.

Not exactly. A columnist writes for an established newspaper or magazine on a regular, often contracted basis, while a blogger typically publishes independently online without the same editorial structure. The two roles can overlap when a columnist's work is also published online.

Not necessarily, but many columnists develop a recognizable focus, such as politics, sports, or culture, since they contribute regularly to a publication under their own name. This regular, signed contribution is what defines the role rather than a fixed topic requirement.