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

Hundreds of film executives, politicians, media personalities and friends gave a standing ovation as Chaz Ebert, wife of beloved Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert, approached the pulpit during his funeral at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

There is a limit to how much the mayor’s office can do — like, say, compel the governor to raise taxes in order to fund a set of programs that were central to one’s campaign — but as an organizing apparatus, City Hall is an incredible pulpit. —Clio Chang, Curbed, 6 Apr. 2026

Some wiped away tears as Fayyad named one by one the southern churches, illustrated in the cardboard cutouts next to the pulpit. —ABC News, 5 Apr. 2026

Faith leaders must speak out from their pulpits. —Fabienne Perlov, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026

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