pedestal

[ ped-uh-stl ]

noun

1. an architectural support for a column, statue, vase, or the like.
2. a supporting structure or piece; base.
3. Furniture.
   1. a support for a desk, consisting of a boxlike frame containing drawers one above the other.
   2. a columnar support for a tabletop.
4. Building Trades. a bulge cast at the bottom of a concrete pile.

verb (used with object)

, ped·es·taled, ped·es·tal·ing or (especially British) ped·es·talled, ped·es·tal·ling.

1. to put on or supply with a pedestal.

pedestal

/ ˈpɛdɪstəl /

noun

1. a base that supports a column, statue, etc, as used in classical architecture
2. a position of eminence or supposed superiority (esp in the phrases place, put, or set on a pedestal )
3. 1. either of a pair of sets of drawers used as supports for a writing surface
   2. ( as modifier )

      a pedestal desk

Other Words From

• un·pedes·tal verb (used with object) unpedestaled unpedestaling or (especially British) unpedestalled unpedestalling

Word History and Origins

Origin of pedestal¹

1555–65; alteration of Middle French piedestal < Italian piedestallo, variant of piedistallo literally, foot of stall. See ped- ², de, stall ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of pedestal¹

C16: from French piédestal, from Old Italian piedestallo, from pie foot + di of + stallo a stall

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. set / put on a pedestal, to glorify; idealize:

   When we first became engaged each of us set the other on a pedestal.

More idioms and phrases containing pedestal

see on a pedestal .

Example Sentences

It’s interesting to see a man who is put on a pedestal by the world being taken down to his inner child by the person who knows him the most.

From Los Angeles Times

How do you guys respond to conversations when people prop you up on that pedestal of relationship goals?

From Salon

I think that could be really fun to tackle, but again, I do hold Christmas up on a pedestal.

From Los Angeles Times

We don't want to be put on a pedestal.

From Salon

Women will be returned to their rightful place on the honorable pedestals of motherhood and wifely servitude.

From Salon

Related Words

• podium