podium

[ poh-dee-uhm ]

See synonyms for podium on Thesaurus.com

noun,plural po·di·ums, po·di·a

[poh-dee-uh]. /ˈpoʊ di ə/.

a small platform for the conductor of an orchestra, a public speaker, the recipient of a sports medal, etc.
Architecture.
- a low wall forming a base for a construction, as a colonnade or dome.
- a stereobate for a classical temple, especially one with perpendicular sides.
- the masonry supporting a classical temple.
- a raised platform surrounding the arena of an ancient Roman amphitheater having on it the seats of privileged spectators.

lectern.
a counter or booth, as one at an airport for handling tickets or dispensing information.
Zoology, Anatomy. a foot.
Botany. a footstalk or stipe.

verb (used without object)

(in a sports competition) to finish first, second, or third and receive an award while standing on a podium: He’s podiumed in five of his past six races.

Origin of podium

1605–15; <Latin: “elevated place, balcony” <Greek pódion “little foot,” equivalent to pod- pod- + -ion diminutive suffix. See pew

Other definitions for -podium (2 of 2)

-podium

a combining form meaning “footlike part” of an organism, used in the formation of compound words: monopodium; pseudo-podium.

Origin of -podium

From New Latin; see origin at podium

Also -pode.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use podium in a sentence

Biden, after all, is known for his unbuttoned comments from the podium.
Joe Biden: ‘I’ll Kill Your Son’ | Olivia Nuzzi | December 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
By the time Gurira took her place at the Google podium to read from the play, the audience was primed for emotion.
Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira Vs. Boko Haram | Kristi York Wooten | November 30, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
But King just stepped up to the podium and delivered one of the finest speeches of his life.
Martin Luther King’s Nobel Speech Is an Often Ignored Masterpiece | Malcolm Jones | October 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Red tie and blue shirt-clad Paul walked casually in front of the audience and, like a normal person, stood behind the podium.
Paul, Cruz Duel at ‘Values Voter’ Event | Olivia Nuzzi | September 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
On the outskirts of the partisan mayhem, a smaller crowd gathered as a heavy-set man strode up to a podium in front of them.
For the Right Price, You Can Buy This Candidate | Jack Holmes | August 9, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

No other seats were open to them unless they were of sufficient distinction to claim a place upon the podium.
The Private Life of the Romans | Harold Whetstone Johnston
It did him good, by contrast, to hear a hearty peal of laughter that came up from the lowest ranks of the podium.
Serapis, Complete | Georg Ebers
The Cuban Ambassador, whose seat was nearest the podium, crossed the plush rail and rushed to Tabio's wheel chair.
The Five Arrows | Allan Chase
Paintings and inscriptions covered the walls or podium of the arena.
The Wonders of Pompeii | Marc Monnier
A brick podium under the right end column of the Arch of Severus marks its site.
Rambles in Rome | S. Russell Forbes

British Dictionary definitions for podium (1 of 2)

podium

/ (ˈpəʊdɪəm) /

nounplural -diums or -dia (-dɪə)

a small raised platform used by lecturers, orchestra conductors, etc; dais
a plinth that supports a colonnade or wall

a low wall surrounding the arena of an ancient amphitheatre
zoology
- the terminal part of a vertebrate limb
- any footlike organ, such as the tube foot of a starfish

Origin of podium

C18: from Latin: platform, balcony, from Greek podion little foot, from pous foot

British Dictionary definitions for -podium (2 of 2)

-podium

n combining form

a part resembling a foot: pseudopodium

Origin of -podium

from New Latin: footlike; see podium

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Browse