pew

¹

[pyoo]

noun

1. (in a church) one of a number of fixed, benchlike seats with backs, accessible by aisles, for the use of the congregation.

2. an enclosed seat in a church, or an enclosure with seats, usually reserved for a family or other group of worshipers.

3. those occupying pews; congregation.

PEW

²

abbreviation

Biology, Ecology.

1. possibly extinct in the wild.

pew

/ pjuː /

noun

1. 1. one of several long benchlike seats with backs, used by the congregation

   2. an enclosed compartment reserved for the use of a family or other small group

2. informal,  a seat (esp in the phrase take a pew )

Word History and Origins

Origin of pew¹

1350–1400; Middle English puwe < Middle French puie balcony < Latin podia, plural (taken as singular) of podium balcony. See podium

Word History and Origins

Origin of pew¹

C14 pywe, from Old French puye, from Latin podium a balcony, from Greek podion supporting structure, from pous foot

Example Sentences

Young families, friend groups and couples filled neon pink pews, ready to print designs on T-shirts.

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Public opinion polls have shown that the party’s metaphorical church is struggling and fragile; its pews are thinning.

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Elaborate flower arrangements graced the pews and walls.

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And the church — its pulpit, pews, and survival programs — is a critical staging ground for that struggle.

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Church pews, hospitals and whole neighborhoods have been emptier than usual.

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