lectern

noun

lec·tern ˈlek-tərn

: a stand used to support a book or script in a convenient position for a standing reader or speaker

especially : one from which scripture lessons are read in a church service

Examples of lectern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web But there was a discordant addition to the cozy gathering where about 30 people had assembled: At the front of the room, where the president spoke, stood a lectern and a teleprompter, two large screens hovering about six feet high. —

Josh Dawsey, Washington Post, 4 July 2024 Biden and Trump entered the debate stage in Atlanta, serious looks on their faces (Trump looked kind of mad, actually) and just took their places behind the lecterns. —

Bill Goodykoontz, USA TODAY, 28 June 2024 Biden and Trump will stand at lecterns decided earlier by a coin flip. —

Sarah Beth Hensley, ABC News, 24 June 2024 Harris presented a commanding figure at a lectern in an Executive Office Building auditorium packed with survivors and activists. —

Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post, 23 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for lectern

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lectern.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lettorne, from Anglo-French leitrun, from Medieval Latin lectrinum, from Late Latin lectrum, from Latin legere to read — more at legend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of lectern was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century