PEW

¹

abbreviation

Biology, Ecology.

1. possibly extinct in the wild.

pew

²

[pyoo]

noun

1. (in a church) one of a number of fixed, benchlike seats with backs, accessible by aisles, for the use of the congregation.

2. an enclosed seat in a church, or an enclosure with seats, usually reserved for a family or other group of worshipers.

3. those occupying pews; congregation.

pew

/ pjuː /

noun

1. 1. one of several long benchlike seats with backs, used by the congregation

   2. an enclosed compartment reserved for the use of a family or other small group

2. informal,  a seat (esp in the phrase take a pew )

Word History and Origins

Origin of PEW¹

1350–1400; Middle English puwe < Middle French puie balcony < Latin podia, plural (taken as singular) of podium balcony. See podium

Word History and Origins

Origin of PEW¹

C14 pywe, from Old French puye, from Latin podium a balcony, from Greek podion supporting structure, from pous foot

Example Sentences

Americans are going to the pews in fewer numbers, and they order delivery from their phones rather than interact with their neighbors.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“By staying put in that pew, a side is taken,” Jud insists to the parishioners.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He said he used to sit a couple of pews behind that mom in church every Sunday.

Read more on Salon

Now, she sat on a wooden pew for evening Mass at her 121-year-old Catholic parish in Hollywood.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Church pews empty as congregants stay home in fear.

Read more on Salon