lectern

American  

[lek-tern] / ˈlɛk tərn /

noun

• lecterns
  plural

1. a reading desk in a church on which the Bible rests and from which the lessons are read during the church service.

2. a stand with a slanted top, used to hold a book, speech, manuscript, etc., at the proper height for a reader or speaker.

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lectern British  

/ ˈlɛktən /

noun

1. a reading desk or support in a church

2. any similar desk or support

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• lecterns
  plural

Etymology

Origin of lectern

1275–1325; earlier lectron ( e ), late Middle English lectryn < Medieval Latin lēctrīnum, derivative of lēctrum lectern, equivalent to Latin leg ( ere ) to read + -trum instrumental suffix; replacing Middle English letroun, lettorne < Middle French letrun < Medieval Latin lēctrum, as above

Explanation

When the President of The United States gives a speech, he often stands at a wooden lectern featuring the presidential seal. A lectern is a stand on which you can place notes or papers while you lecture. Lecterns often feature a sloped top and a little lamp to make reading from a paper or notes easier. The word lectern comes from the Latin word legere which means "to read." Lecterns serve another purpose for nervous readers — they offer a good hiding place for shaking hands.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lectern lecterns

Asked about the lawsuit during questioning, Turner said, “We’re working on that right now,” then shifted to a brown lunch bag pulled from the lectern from which he extracted several items.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 2026

Tobias Gough’s duty was simple: wheel out the heavy, bespoke wooden lectern and test the mic whenever a premier was about to resign or make their first speech to the nation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

But perhaps conscious that "lectern moments" have become a symbol of the UK's political instability in recent years, Burnham broke with recent tradition and made the address without notes or a podium.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

So when Torres took the lectern in Garden Grove, he wasn’t just there as an elected official.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026

When it came time for the candidates’ speeches, I stood behind the lectern and let the paper cascade off the stage onto the floor.

From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter

There were just two lecterns and two speakers at the news conference the leaders hosted, but two other parties hovered in the air.

From BBC ● Jul. 11, 2025

The two leaders gave opening remarks from lecterns on opposite sides of the stage.

From Reuters ● Nov. 18, 2023

Newsom said it’s clear that Californians are “a little exhausted” with watching politicians at lecterns talk about fixing the problem.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 15, 2023

The boxy dark blue and dark paneled lecterns — there are many — are a symbol of the modern presidency.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 11, 2022

Carpets and rugs, inlaid lecterns, painted sentences from the Koran are all of interest, but perhaps most remarkable are the scenes of Moslem life and worship at all hours.

From The Complete Club Book for Women Including Subjects, Material and References for Study Programs; together with a Constitution and By-Laws; Rules of Order; Instructions how to make a Year Book; Suggestions for Practical Community Work; a Resume of what Some Clubs are Doing, etc., etc. by Caroline French Benton

Related Words

• rostrum