pulpit

noun

pul·​pit ˈpu̇l-ˌpit 

ˈpəl-,

-pət

1

: an elevated platform or high reading desk used in preaching or conducting a worship service

2

a

: the preaching profession

b

: a preaching position

Examples of pulpit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His senior Great Dane, Monroe, sprawls out on the floor between the music and the old pulpit. —Josh Crutchmer, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025

The pulpit dates back to 1609 and was originally in the church in Tórshavn. —Katherine Lagrave, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025

Included is a set of pipes at the front of the sanctuary, behind the pulpit, called the Chancel Swell, which is used when the organ is played for smaller gatherings. —Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2025

Hillsides and fields that were once mosaics of blue phlox, wood poppies and Jack-in-the-pulpits have become swaths of monochrome yellow. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin pulpitum, from Latin, staging, platform

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pulpit

• bully pulpit
• from the pulpit
• in the pulpit
• jack-in-the-pulpit

Kids Definition

pulpit

noun

pul·​pit ˈpu̇l-ˌpit 

 also  ˈpəl-,

-pət

1

: a raised platform or high desk used in preaching or leading a worship service

2

: the preaching profession

3

: a job as a preacher