pagoda

noun

pa·​go·​da pə-ˈgō-də How to pronounce pagoda (audio)
: 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.
Both Hai and Thida’s homes are facing destruction — his pagoda, her cinema — and the consequences of the Cambodian genocide loom large in their present lives. Blake Simons, IndieWire, 6 Sep. 2025 On the terrace, Nevins had installed a koi pond, a pagoda, and a bar. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 22 Aug. 2025 The park was constructed in 1983 for a garden exhibition and still contains gorgeous rose gardens, a pagoda surrounded by Asian gardens, and several ponds and water features. Emily Manthei, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025 The destination is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of temples, pagodas, and historic monuments. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 18 June 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 11 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!