podium

noun po·di·um \ ˈpō-dē-əm \

|Updated on: 6 Aug 2018

Examples: podium in a Sentence

Definition of podium

plural podiums or podia play \ˈpō-dē-ə\

1 : a low wall serving as a foundation or terrace wall: such as

a : one around the arena of an ancient amphitheater serving as a base for the tiers of seats

b : the masonry under the stylobate of a temple

2 a : a dais especially for an orchestral conductor

b : lectern

See podium defined for English-language learners

See podium defined for kids

Examples of podium in a Sentence

the conductor on the podium tonight is one of the leading figures of classical music

Recent Examples of podium from the Web

As soon as Trump stepped to the podium, the country symbolically stepped away from its leadership role.

— patrick sisson, Curbed, "Climate Mayors: The impact a year after the U.S. left the Paris agreement," 30 May 2018
One by one, 30 people took to the podium, arguing the development would adversely affect traffic, drainage, schools and erode the rural atmosphere of the area on the northern end of the town of about 2,500 people.

— robert rhoden, NOLA.com, "Abita Springs residents voice opposition to Quail Farm subdivision," 18 Apr. 2018
But when an aide to state Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) stepped to the podium to deliver congratulations, some in the crowd booed.

— teresa watanabe, latimes.com, "L.A. Community College trustees assailed for seating a Latino man over three African American women," 12 July 2018
The lower house of Parliament voted to remove the criminal penalties after an emotional session that saw one nationalist lawmaker try to block access to the podium.

— marc santora, BostonGlobe.com, "Poland softens Holocaust law, removes criminal penalties for those accused of implicating nation," 28 June 2018
Both houses of Parliament voted on Wednesday to remove the criminal penalties, after an emotional session that saw one nationalist lawmaker try to block access to the podium.

— marc santora, New York Times, "Poland’s Holocaust Law Weakened After ‘Storm and Consternation’," 27 June 2018
Amid all the spraying of bubbly Sunday after the Kohler Grand Prix at Road America, winner Josef Newgarden was stopped on his way back to the podium by a female fan who got a hug and then reached for the bottle in his hand.

— dave kallmann, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Party crasher adds an unexpected twist to IndyCar victory lane," 24 June 2018
When Commissioner Adam Silver went to the podium and announced the pick, the crowd went crazy - for about a full minute.

— clevis murray, azcentral, "Phoenix Suns fans, players see a bright future with Deandre Ayton in the Valley," 21 June 2018
Speakers on both sides of the issue line up to address the council each time the issue surfaces, and Wednesday about 20 people went to the podium.

— phil diehl, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Oceanside OKs two delivery-only dispensaries," 20 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'podium.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of podium

Latin — more at pew

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1743

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

podium Synonyms

Synonyms

dais, platform, rostrum, stage, stand, tribune;

Related Words

altar, pulpit;

riser, scaffold;

balcony, gallery;

Other Furniture and Woodworking Terms

appoint, credenza, mission, settee

-podium

noun combining form

Definition of -podium

plural -podia

: foot : part resembling a foot

pseudopodium

Origin and Etymology of -podium

New Latin, from Greek podion, diminutive of pod-, pous foot — more at foot

PODIUM Defined for English Language Learners

podium

noun

Definition of podium for English Language Learners

: a raised platform for a speaker, performer, or the leader of an orchestra
: a stand with a slanted surface that holds a book, notes, etc., for someone who is reading, speaking, or teaching