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pagoda

noun

pa·​go·​da pə-ˈgō-də How to pronounce pagoda (audio)
Synonyms of pagodanext
: a tower in eastern Asia usually with roofs curving upward at the division of each of several stories and erected as a temple or memorial

Illustration of pagoda

Illustration of pagoda

Examples of pagoda in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Nearby, a stone pagoda bears a tall, striking pillar which has four Buddha faces — one per cardinal direction. Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 27 Nov. 2025 But the most popular response was pagoda, a Hindu or Buddhist temple. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2025 Just look at it: green-tiled roofs, bright red paper lanterns and those soaring red pagoda eaves towering above the floor-to-ceiling glass entrance. Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 23 Oct. 2025 But the delicate and sturdy structure with a multitiered roof that makes her box look a pagoda devoted to the baking gods. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pagoda

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese pagode statue of a deity, Hindu or Buddhist temple

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pagoda was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pagoda.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pagoda. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

pagoda

noun
pa·​go·​da pə-ˈgōd-ə How to pronounce pagoda (audio)
: a tower in eastern Asia of several stories erected as a temple or memorial

More from Merriam-Webster on pagoda

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