dais

[ dey-is, dahy-, deys ]

noun

1. a raised platform, as at the front of a room, for a lectern, throne, seats of honor, etc.

dais

/ deɪs; ˈdeɪɪs /

noun

1. a raised platform, usually at one end of a hall, used by speakers, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of dais¹

1225–75; Middle English deis < Anglo-French ( Old French dois ) < Latin discus quoit; discus

Word History and Origins

Origin of dais¹

C13: from Old French deis, from Latin discus discus

Example Sentences

Yet I have also seen firsthand the disconnect between those skilled teachers and the professional operatives who represent them in the halls of the Legislature and the daises of school boards.

From Voice of San Diego

Dislodging him from such a square or from the daises that preceded it has proved damned near impossible.

From Washington Post

A man behind him on the dais has a dust mask slung over his neck.

From The Daily Beast

At the center of the dais, facing the nominee, sat the committee chair, Democrat Carl Levin of Michigan.

From The Daily Beast

Activities on stage got projected on giant screens flanking the dais, or on the jumbotron-like rig overhead.

From The Daily Beast

Imagine the next time Calderon ascends the dais to make a political point.

From The Daily Beast

He walked to the dais and delivered a beautiful speech in perfect English.

From The Daily Beast

Now she walked forward, followed by the two men, until she had passed the faskeeyeh and had reached the foot of the dais.

From Project Gutenberg

At the end opposite the entrance is a large sepolcro a mensa, in front of which is a dais elevated two steps.

From Project Gutenberg

They sit above our heads, on life's raised dais, and appeal at once to our respect and pity.

From Project Gutenberg

The royal dais was protected by a canopy of crimson velvet, trimmed with crimson and gold fringe.

From Project Gutenberg

Vyrtl took his place on a dais at the head of the table, and his aide arranged the gold-stiffened ceremonial robe.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• podium
• rostrum
• terrace