pulpit

noun

pul·​pit ˈpu̇l-ˌpit 

ˈpəl-, 

-pət

1

: an elevated platform or high reading desk used in preaching or conducting a worship service

2

a

: the preaching profession

b

: a preaching position

Examples of pulpit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Radhika Garg bent to the microphone and invited to the pulpit anyone else who wanted to say a few words. —Madhuri Vijay, New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2025

Now, Day-Lewis, who is currently promoting his son’s film Anemone, wants Cox to get off his pulpit. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025

Those stances, taken together, have generated concern among some public health experts that Means could use her potential pulpit to spread misleading information. —Aria Bendix, NBC news, 30 Oct. 2025

At the center of the dark hall, filled with students in maroon jackets, the UMC insignia branded the pulpit at the center of students’ focus. —Liam Adams, Nashville Tennessean, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin pulpitum, from Latin, staging, platform

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing pulpit

• bully pulpit
• from the pulpit
• in the pulpit
• jack-in-the-pulpit

Kids Definition

pulpit

noun

pul·​pit ˈpu̇l-ˌpit 

also ˈpəl-, 

-pət

1

: a raised platform or high desk used in preaching or leading a worship service

2

: the preaching profession

3

: a job as a preacher