pulpit

[ pool-pit, puhl- ]

noun

1. a platform or raised structure in a church, from which the sermon is delivered or the service is conducted.
2. the pulpit,
   1. the clerical profession; the ministry.
   2. members of the clergy collectively:

      In attendance were representatives of medicine, the pulpit, and the bar.

3. (especially in Protestantism and Judaism) the position of pastor or rabbi:

   He heard of a pulpit in Chicago that was about to be vacated.

4. the work of a preacher; preaching.
5. bully pulpit ( def ).
6. (in small craft)
   1. a safety rail rising about 18 to 30 inches (48 to 76 centimeters) from the deck near the bow and extending around it.
   2. a similar rail at the stern.
7. a control booth in a factory, usually elevated and glass-enclosed, from which an operator can observe and direct the manufacturing process.

pulpit

/ ˈpʊlpɪt /

noun

1. a raised platform, usually surrounded by a barrier, set up in churches as the appointed place for preaching, leading in prayer, etc
2. any similar raised structure, such as a lectern
3. a medium for expressing an opinion, such as a column in a newspaper
4. the pulpit
   1. the preaching of the Christian message
   2. the clergy or their message and influence

Other Words From

• pulpit·al adjective
• pulpit·less adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pulpit¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Anglo-Norman pulpit, pulputte, French, Middle French pulpite, from Latin pulpitum “platform, scaffold, stage,” and also in Late Latin “pulpit”

Word History and Origins

Origin of pulpit¹

C14: from Latin pulpitum a platform

Example Sentences

By then, my husband was a full-time pulpit minister.

From Salon

After her memorable cameo, Carpenter wrote to Swift on Instagram, “thank you for working late, thank you for being a singer and thank you for having me” — calling her pop mentor’s pulpit the “only stage i’d ever wanna see on a day off.”

From Los Angeles Times

“This is someone who is a former president of the United States, who has a bully pulpit. And this is how he uses it? To tell the rest of the world that somehow the United States of America is trash?”

From Salon

Feminism, gay rights and the Vietnam War fueled additional discord, with more traditionalist congregants opposing the ordination of female priests and reacting furiously to mainline Protestant leaders who advocated from the pulpit.

From Salon

That, he suggested, could change again as a surge in hate crimes against Asians has galvanized pastors and congregants into speaking more forcefully about political issues from the pulpit and working more closely with civic organizations to improve public life.

From Salon

Related Words

• lectern
• podium