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.
However, the pagoda dogwood is an especially popular dogwood variety for front yard landscaping thanks to its graceful arching form, which stays under 25 feet high, and fragrant white flowers that bloom from late spring through early summer. Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 9 Apr. 2026 Built in 541, its highlights include the white gemstone statues of Amitabha Buddha and the enormous incense burners in the pagoda’s red-roofed Upper House. Tamara Hinson, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026 Online reports say on the Clark Street side, La Cocina Mexican restaurant with its Chinese pagoda sign, and its neighbor, Micky's Chicken & Fish, have closed too. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026 Originally built as a carriage road during the 1880s, the long and winding road takes you from downtown Hot Springs (just off Central Avenue at the end of Fountain Street) to a lovely picnic area and overlook featuring a historic pagoda that dates back to the early 1900s. Alex Schechter, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Pagoda.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pagoda. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.

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

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