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

After Trump’s victory, McCoy joked from the pulpit: “This week, Charlie’s going back to Washington to meet with the president because he’s going to call in his markers.”

From Los Angeles Times

In recent months, from the pulpit of Bible Ways Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia, Reverend Monte Norwood has been sharing a very different message to that of Franklin Graham.

From BBC

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

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

Biden told the American people what we already knew: He is giving up his bid for re-election and stepping away from the biggest bully pulpit in the free world.

From Salon

Related Words

• lectern
• podium