bully pulpit

[bool-ee pool-pit, puhl-pit]

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of bully pulpit¹

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

“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.”

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The presidential bully pulpit can be a powerful force.

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It can also lean on the bully pulpit, issuing public statements, or launch a defect investigation, which can take months to complete and possibly lead to a recall.

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“I don’t fault you for that … but you do have a weapon — it’s a bully pulpit.”

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He demonstrated anew his eagerness to divide and conquer and, with swagger, put the bully into bully pulpit.

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