bully pulpit

American  

[bool-ee pool-pit, puhl-pit] / ˈbʊl i ˈpʊl pɪt, ˈpʌl pɪt /

noun

1. a position of authority or public visibility, especially a political office, from which one may express one's views.

---

Etymology

Origin of bully pulpit

First recorded in 1905–10; from a remark made by President Theodore Roosevelt, 26th president of the U.S. 1901–09, in reference to the White House, “I suppose my critics will call that preaching, but I have got such a bully pulpit!”

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bully pulpit

If Warsh goes quiet while his colleagues continue to give economic-outlook speeches, a kind of unilateral disarmament could take hold where the chair forfeits the bully pulpit.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026

The state superintendent also typically takes advantage of the bully pulpit on education issues.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 3, 2026

The surgeon general wields a powerful bully pulpit for health advice, and helps oversee the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 1, 2026

“She’s going to have a bully pulpit, and she can talk to moms about how to care for their kids, what kind of food to give them.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2025

Caruso also said he plans to use the bully pulpit to advocate for struggling residents and businesses.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2025