pulpit

American  

[pool-pit, puhl-] / ˈpʊl pɪt, ˈpʌl- /

noun

1. a platform or raised structure in a church, from which the sermon is delivered or the service is conducted.

2. the pulpit,

   1. the clerical profession; the ministry.

   2. members of the clergy collectively.

      In attendance were representatives of medicine, the pulpit, and the bar.

3. (especially in Protestantism and Judaism) the position of pastor or rabbi.

   He heard of a pulpit in Chicago that was about to be vacated.

4. the work of a preacher; preaching.

5. bully pulpit.

6. (in small craft)

   1. a safety rail rising about 18 to 30 inches (48 to 76 centimeters) from the deck near the bow and extending around it.

   2. a similar rail at the stern.

7. a control booth in a factory, usually elevated and glass-enclosed, from which an operator can observe and direct the manufacturing process.

---

pulpit British  

/ ˈpʊlpɪt /

noun

1. a raised platform, usually surrounded by a barrier, set up in churches as the appointed place for preaching, leading in prayer, etc

2. any similar raised structure, such as a lectern

3. a medium for expressing an opinion, such as a column in a newspaper

4. 1. the preaching of the Christian message

   2. the clergy or their message and influence

---

Other Word Forms

• pulpital adjective
• pulpitless adjective

Etymology

Origin of pulpit

First recorded in 1300–50; Anglo-Norman pulpit, pulputte, French, Middle French pulpite, from Latin pulpitum “platform, scaffold, stage,” and also in Late Latin “pulpit”

Example Sentences

In this moment, “the box,” as Mero casually refers to it, became a true communal stage, a participatory call-and-response pulpit for the neighborhood.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026

The Health Secretary has also used his bully pulpit to attack products he views as toxins, including pesticides and fluoride in water.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 7, 2026

The Prince of Wales gave a Bible reading from the pulpit.

From BBC • Dec. 24, 2025

Moore, who did not respond to a call seeking comment, often used his pulpit to try to get out ahead of potential crises.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

John had finished sweeping, and he now mounted to the pulpit to dust the three thronelike chairs, purple, with white linen squares for the headpieces and for the massive arms.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin

Related Words

• lectern
• podium