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

The president eventually tossed the stack of mugshots to the ground before lifting a 31-page printout off the lectern. —Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 20 Jan. 2026

About an hour after second-year quarterback Bo Nix led the Broncos to a 33-30 win on Wil Lutz’s 23-yard field goal in overtime Saturday, Denver coach Sean Payton returned to the postgame lectern to deliver the stunning news. —Arnie Stapleton, Baltimore Sun, 18 Jan. 2026

Instead, Payton returned the lectern in a brown jacket over a green sweatshirt and delivered the news to reporters. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026

The skit was pretty standard for SNL, with Trump at a lectern at the White House addressing the country. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2026

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

Kids Definition

lectern

noun

lec·​tern ˈlek-tərn 

: a desk to read from while standing

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