rostrum

[ ros-truhm ]

noun

, plural ros·tra [ros, -tr, uh], ros·trums.

1. any platform, stage, or the like, for public speaking.

   Synonyms: lectern, podium, dais, stand

2. a pulpit.
3. a beaklike projection from the prow of a ship, especially one on an ancient warship for ramming an enemy ship; beak; ram.
4. Roman Antiquity. (in the forum) the raised platform, adorned with the beaks of captured warships, from which orations, pleadings, etc., were delivered.
5. Biology. a beaklike process or extension of some part; rostellum.
6. British Theater. a raised platform or dais, especially one with hinged sides that can be folded and stored within a relatively small space.

rostrum

/ ˈrɒstrəm /

noun

1. any platform, stage, or dais on which public speakers stand to address an audience
2. a platform or dais in front of an orchestra on which the conductor stands
3. another word for ram
4. the prow or beak of an ancient Roman ship
5. biology zoology a beak or beaklike part

Word History and Origins

Origin of rostrum¹

1570–80; < Latin rōstrum snout, bill, beak of a bird, ship's prow (in plural, speaker's platform), equivalent to rōd ( ere ) to gnaw, bite ( rodent ) + -trum instrumental suffix, with dt > st

Word History and Origins

Origin of rostrum¹

C16: from Latin rōstrum beak, ship's prow, from rōdere to nibble, gnaw; in plural, rōstra , orator's platform, because this platform in the Roman forum was adorned with the prows of captured ships

Example Sentences

The veto was rejected by an 84-4 vote in a contentious parliament session, during which a Georgian Dream deputy doused the leader of an opposition party with water while he spoke from the rostrum.

From Seattle Times

Wearing a bright red “Make America Great Again” hat and pins on her lapel referring to Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was killed in February, Ms. Greene shouted at Mr. Biden, who had picked up one of the pins honoring Ms. Riley on his walk to the rostrum to give his speech.

From New York Times

As is customary, Mr. Johnson banged the gavel when Mr. Biden stepped up to the rostrum.

From New York Times

In an in-your-face election-year State of the Union address, President Biden delivered one of the most confrontational speeches that any president has offered from the House rostrum, met by equally fractious heckling from his Republican opponents.

From New York Times

Here are six questions facing Mr. Biden before he steps to the rostrum on Thursday at 9 p.m.

From New York Times

Related Words

• dais
• lectern
• podium