structure

noun struc·ture \ ˈstrək-chər \

Updated on: 7 Dec 2017

Definition of structure

1 : the action of building : construction

2 a : something (such as a building) that is constructed

b : something arranged in a definite pattern of organization

a rigid totalitarian structure
—J. L. Hess

leaves and other plant structures

3 : manner of construction : makeup

Gothic in structure

4 a : the arrangement of particles or parts in a substance or body

soil structure

molecular structure

b : organization of parts as dominated by the general character of the whole

economic structure

personality structure

c : coherent form or organization

tried to give some structure to the children's lives

5 : the aggregate of elements of an entity in their relationships to each other

the structure of a language

—

structureless

play \-ləs\ adjective

—

structurelessness

play \-nəs\ noun

See structure defined for English-language learners

See structure defined for kids

Examples of structure in a Sentence

They studied the compound's molecular structure.
The film had a simple narrative structure.
the structure of a plant
the social structure of a college campus
changes to the company's power structure
The structure was damaged by fire.
Children need a lot of structure in their lives.

Recent Examples of structure from the Web

The space in between the two structures is open, allowing visitors to see straight through to the lake.

— ryan gillespie, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Renowned architect unveils 'world class' design for Winter Park library," 1 Nov. 2017
The structure was bought in 2014 by Weeds and Orange is the New Black co-creator Jenji Kohan, who maintains offices on the upper floors and oversaw the restoration efforts for the vintage theater space.

— brittany martin, Los Angeles Magazine, "This Historic Theater Will Be Reborn as a New Hub for L.A. Comedy," 26 Oct. 2017
Consultants have begun to lay the groundwork for a new Health Department facility in Will County — the third structure in the county's current $275 million building campaign.

— susan demar lafferty, Daily Southtown, "Will County eyes plans for new health department," 18 Oct. 2017
The fires, which are slowly coming under control, have knocked out 5,700 structures and scorched 213,000 acres, according to Cal Fire.

— alejandro lazo, WSJ, "Death Toll in California Wildfires Rises to 41," 16 Oct. 2017
At least 23 people have died, with more than 20,000 evacuated and at least 3,500 structures destroyed.

— jennifer kaplan, Bloomberg.com, "Marijuana Growers Risk Being Wiped Out by California Fires," 13 Oct. 2017
One structure sustained minor damage in a grass fire along Rice Canyon Road in Fallbrook on Saturday.

— pauline repard, sandiegouniontribune.com, "1 structure damaged in Fallbrook grass fire," 7 Oct. 2017
This effect is typical with light-scattering structures like the tiny scales that cover the insect’s wings.

— sylvia morrow, Discover Magazine, "20 Things You Didn't Know About ... Color," 6 Oct. 2017
The council was set to approve an ordinance that created the framework for a human resources department next week, but some questions about the structure and function of the new department prompted the board to hold off on a final vote.

— craig lyons, Post-Tribune, "Lake council holding off on human resources department proposal," 5 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'structure.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of structure

Middle English, from Latin structura, from structus, past participle of struere to heap up, build — more at strew

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1560

See Words from the same year

structure Synonyms

Synonyms

edifice, building

Related Words

construction, erection; bungalow, cabin, chalet, cottage, house, lodge, summerhouse; hovel, hut, hutment, shack, shanty, shed; castle, château, estate, hall, manor, mansion, palace, pile, villa; skyscraper, tower

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

structure

verb

Definition of structure

structured; structuring play \ˈstrək-chə-riŋ, ˈstrək-shriŋ\

transitive verb

1 : to form into or according to a structure

2 : construct

See structure defined for English-language learners

Examples of structure in a Sentence

She structured the essay chronologically.

Recent Examples of structure from the Web

The House is set to vote Thursday on an aid package that includes roughly $5 billion for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands—structured, reportedly at Trump’s request, as a loan.

— bess levin, vanityfair.com, "Trump Implies Hurricane Victims Are Ripping Off the Federal Government," 12 Oct. 2017
The plan includes adoption of an incubator to promote more diversity in broadcasting, although the FCC will consider various ideas for how to structure it.

— keach hagey, WSJ, "FCC to Ease Limits on Local Media Ownership," 25 Oct. 2017
Where the old system was laggy and poorly structured, this new software allows for customization of the menu layout and smartphone connectivity not only via Bluetooth, but also via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

— michael simari, Car and Driver, "2018 Honda Odyssey," 20 Oct. 2017
The ultimate goal of the preseason is to structure the practices to slowly bring Embiid back into the mix.

— keith pompey, Philly.com, "Sixers structure practices to include sidelined Joel Embiid," 3 Oct. 2017
Robinson: [laughs] Is the show structured as episodic, or is there one long mystery?

— chris barton, latimes.com, "'Ghosted' stars Craig Robinson and Adam Scott on summoning an '80s action-comedy spirit," 29 Sep. 2017
Most Alaskans liked the idea of the Permanent Fund, but there was no consensus on how to structure the investments or deal with the earnings.

— dermot cole, Alaska Dispatch News, "40 years of writing about the Permanent Fund and its place in Alaska," 2 Sep. 2017
My job was to show them how to structure their business to work even while traveling abroad.

— stephanie synclair, Harper's BAZAAR, "How to Create a Career From Anywhere in the World," 13 Sep. 2016
The Army's ten active-duty divisions have for a century been structured like mini-armies unto themselves, full of all sorts of particular combat and support brigades.

— thomas p.m. barnett, Esquire, "The Monks of War," 23 June 2010

First Known Use of structure

1664

Other Building Terms

batten, cistern, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot

STRUCTURE Defined for English Language Learners

structure

noun

Definition of structure for English Language Learners

: the way that something is built, arranged, or organized
: the way that a group of people are organized
: something (such as a house, tower, bridge, etc.) that is built by putting parts together and that usually stands on its own

structure

verb

Definition of structure for English Language Learners

: to arrange or organize (something) in a particular way

STRUCTURE Defined for Kids

structure

noun struc·ture \ ˈstrək-chər \

Definition of structure for Students

1 : something built or arranged in a definite way

He entered a small brick structure.

We studied leaves and other plant structures.

2 : the manner in which something is built, arranged, or organized

the structure of the body

Word Root of structure

The Latin word struere, meaning “to build,” and its form structus give us the root struct. Words from the Latin struere have something to do with building. A structure is something that was built, such as a house. To construct is to build by combining parts together. To obstruct is to build an obstacle that blocks a passage or path. Destruction is the process of taking apart something that was built.