pedestal

American  

[ped-uh-stl] / ˈpɛd ə stl /

noun

1. an architectural support for a column, statue, vase, or the like.

2. a supporting structure or piece; base.

3. Furniture.

   1. a support for a desk, consisting of a boxlike frame containing drawers one above the other.

   2. a columnar support for a tabletop.

4. Building Trades. a bulge cast at the bottom of a concrete pile.

---

verb (used with object)

pedestaled, pedestaling, pedestalled, pedestalling

1. to put on or supply with a pedestal.

idioms

1. set / put on a pedestal, to glorify; idealize.

   When we first became engaged each of us set the other on a pedestal.

pedestal British  

/ ˈpɛdɪstəl /

noun

1. a base that supports a column, statue, etc, as used in classical architecture

2. a position of eminence or supposed superiority (esp in the phrases place, put, or set on a pedestal )

3. 1. either of a pair of sets of drawers used as supports for a writing surface

   2. ( as modifier )

      a pedestal desk

---

pedestal More Idioms  

1. see on a pedestal.

---

Other Word Forms

• unpedestal
  verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of pedestal

1555–65; alteration of Middle French piedestal < Italian piedestallo, variant of piedistallo literally, foot of stall. See ped- ², de, stall ¹

Explanation

A pedestal is a base or foundation that supports something like a statue or work of art. Think of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. where a statue of Lincoln sitting in a chair is raised up on a huge pedestal. Think of the physical stand or support when you use pedestal figuratively to mean a place of superiority. If you put someone on a pedestal, you honor that person or place him or her above you, as you might a piece of valued art. If you want to knock someone off his or her pedestal, you think that person is too arrogant and you want to do something to humble him or her.

Example Sentences

Pedestal sinks have a place in small bathrooms but in larger spaces, vanities and cabinets can provide much needed counter, drawer and storage space.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 8, 2024

Pedestal sinks are out and cabinets and vanities are in.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 8, 2024

In a statement, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett thanked Pedestal for recognizing the importance of Lake Hefner to the community.

From Washington Times • Dec. 26, 2014

A version of this article appears in print on March 16, 2014, on page SP5 of the with the headline: Evidence Mounts That Men’s Top Four Are No Longer on Pedestal .

From New York Times • Mar. 15, 2014

The Island of the Pedestal The next island stood on a foot, or pedestal, which rose from the sea, and they could find no way of access to it.

From Myths & Legends of the Celtic Race by Rolleston, T. W. (Thomas William)

Related Words

• podium