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

We have to use our pulpits and platforms to advocate for peace, for policies and programs.

From FiveThirtyEight

The decision to carry a gun in the pulpit, put about 20 of the church’s 187 members through security training and ensure 10 of them are armed every Sunday morning was made after prayer and reflection, he said.

From FiveThirtyEight

It can’t just be talking points, it can’t just be words from a pulpit, you have to put action behind it.

From The Daily Beast

The broadcasts have become a pulpit for the president’s verbal attacks against those who disagree with him.

From Time

Gloria made clear he will use his mayoral pulpit to champion the plan.

From Voice of San Diego

A Belgian church has a chalkboard sitting at the pulpit with the jungle peeking through the windows behind it.

From The Daily Beast

Reinke lost his pulpit and was drummed out of the conservative Missouri Synod of the Lutheran denomination.

From The Daily Beast

He is also accused of using the pulpit to further a cult of personality surrounding himself.

From The Daily Beast

To Hice, I suppose, speaking the “biblical truth” means endorsing John McCain from the pulpit, like he did in 2008.

From The Daily Beast

Look, Hice has every right to spew his hate from the pulpit to those who chose to attend his services.

From The Daily Beast

Samuel Badcock, an English divine and writer, died; admired as a pulpit orator and a man of literary talent.

From Project Gutenberg

"It has been a most merciful escape," Maloney said, his pulpit voice struggling with his emotion.

From Project Gutenberg

A mob attacked him in the pulpit; the military fired upon the people, and 10 persons were killed and 16 wounded.

From Project Gutenberg

The lectern, as the pulpit-stand in English churches is called, was fashioned of oak taken from Nelson's flagship, the Victory.

From Project Gutenberg

Against plays, players, and playgoers they waged in pulpit and pamphlet a warfare characterized by the most intense fanaticism.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• lectern
• podium