pew

¹

[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

²

abbreviation

Biology, Ecology.

1. possibly extinct in the wild.

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

Young and growing families populate the pews in many parishes across the country.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Young families, friend groups and couples filled neon pink pews, ready to print designs on T-shirts.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Public opinion polls have shown that the party’s metaphorical church is struggling and fragile; its pews are thinning.

Read more on Salon

Elaborate flower arrangements graced the pews and walls.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And the church — its pulpit, pews, and survival programs — is a critical staging ground for that struggle.

Read more on Salon