lectern

[lek-tern]

noun

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.

lectern

/ ˈlɛktən /

noun

1. a reading desk or support in a church

2. any similar desk or support

Word History and Origins

Origin of lectern¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of lectern¹

C14: from Old French lettrun, from Late Latin lectrum, ultimately from legere to read

Example Sentences

The hijinks continued when he stepped behind the lectern to speak and the teleprompter was not working.

From Los Angeles Times

On Friday, LiveNOW showed an empty lectern ahead of the press conference announcing the arrest of the alleged shooter of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

From Los Angeles Times

During a recent celebration, from a lectern behind thick bulletproof glass in Des Moines, Iowa, last Thursday, he picked a curious way to celebrate the birthday of the United States.

From Salon

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

That vision to "change" Britain - the word that has adorned many a red lectern - has on occasion come up against the harsh reality of politics in the year since.

From BBC

Related Words

• rostrum