dais

[ dey-is, dahy-, deys ]

/ ˈdeɪ ɪs, ˈdaɪ-, deɪs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR dais ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a raised platform, as at the front of a room, for a lectern, throne, seats of honor, etc.

Nearby words

dairying, dairyland, dairymaid, dairyman, dairywoman, dais, daishiki, daisy, daisy bush, daisy chain, daisy cutter

Origin of dais

1225–75; Middle English deis < Anglo-French (Old French dois) < Latin discus quoit; see discus

Can be confused

dais daisy days

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for dais

A man behind him on the dais has a dust mask slung over his neck.
Rudy Giuliani on His 9/11 Bluff, the Museum Controversy and the Rise of ISIS|Josh Robin|September 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At the center of the dais, facing the nominee, sat the committee chair, Democrat Carl Levin of Michigan.
How the Chuck Hagel Fight Changed the American Jewish Landscape in Washington|J. J. Goldberg|August 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Activities on stage got projected on giant screens flanking the dais, or on the jumbotron-like rig overhead.
Livni's Call To "Divorce" Palestinians|Ali Gharib|March 13, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Imagine the next time Calderon ascends the dais to make a political point.
Religion And State In Ruth Calderon's Knesset Speech|Zachary Braiterman|February 15, 2013|DAILY BEAST

He walked to the dais and delivered a beautiful speech in perfect English.
Words of Wisdom: The Best of ‘Dear Abby’|Nina Strochlic|January 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Again the door was thrown open, and this time the Dean ushered the Prince into the chamber, and conducted him toward the dais.
The Prince of India, Volume II|Lew. Wallace
On the dais the couches were arranged in two rows and between them, in the center, was a single couch raised above the others.
The People of the Crater|Andrew North
He was gravely led up to the dais, where stood the lady of the Manor, by the steward bearing his wand of office.
The Golden Dog|William Kirby
The room was the audience chamber of the palace, and the magnate of the occasion invited her to a seat on the dais at his side.
Four Young Explorers|Oliver Optic
Not knowing what to do, Alan stepped on to the dais, the painted man scowling at him as he passed.
The Yellow God|H. Rider Haggard

British Dictionary definitions for dais

dais

/ (ˈdeɪɪs, deɪs) /

noun

a raised platform, usually at one end of a hall, used by speakers, etc

Word Origin for dais

C13: from Old French deis, from Latin discus discus

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