柱是建筑物中垂直的主结构件，承托在它上方对象的重量。

在中国木建筑中，横梁直柱，柱数组负责承托梁架结构及其他部分的重量，如屋檐，在主柱与地基间，常建有柱础。另外，亦有其他较小的柱，不置于地基之上，而是置于梁架上，以承托上方对象的重量，再透过梁架结构，把重量传至主柱之上。例如脊瓜柱或蜀柱，是在梁架之上承托部分屋檐的重量。

中国古代的柱子多数为木造，属于大木作范围；间有石柱。明清时期，东南的一些地方普遍用石材或砖材制作檐柱，以取得更好的耐久性。为防水、防潮，木柱下垫以石质柱础，有时会在柱础和柱之间再增加一层石制或木制的柱櫍。

A column or pillar in architecture and structural engineering is a structural element that transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other structural elements below. In other words, a column is a compression member. The term column applies especially to a large round support (the shaft of the column) with a capital and a base or pedestal and made of stone, or appearing to be so. A small wooden or metal support is typically called a post, and supports with a rectangular or other non-round section are usually called piers. For the purpose of wind or earthquake engineering, columns may be designed to resist lateral forces. Other compression members are often termed "columns" because of the similar stress conditions. Columns are frequently used to support beams or arches on which the upper parts of walls or ceilings rest. In architecture, "column" refers to such a structural element that also has certain proportional and decorative features. A column might also be a decorative element not needed for structural purposes; many columns are "engaged", that is to say form part of a wall.