pulpit

noun

pul·​pit ˈpu̇l-ˌpit How to pronounce pulpit (audio)
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
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.
Many who spoke with the Herald pointed to recent polling that shows that most Americans want to leave politics out of the pulpit. Lauren Costantino updated July 20, Miami Herald, 20 July 2025 Both political parties have tested the line in trying to harness the power of the pulpit, with many Republicans wooing evangelical leaders while Democrats often try to curry favor with Black churches. Tiffany Li, ABC News, 15 July 2025 The path to the pulpit has been a circuitous journey for the couple, who were married in 2014 and have a blended family of six kids. Johnny Dodd, People.com, 6 July 2025 After a few months out of the pulpit, Swaggart, who was defrocked by the Assemblies, returned to ministry and remained active the rest of his life, preaching into his late 80s. Bob Smietana, NPR, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for pulpit

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pulpit was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pulpit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulpit. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

pulpit

noun
pul·​pit ˈpu̇l-ˌpit How to pronounce pulpit (audio)
 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

More from Merriam-Webster on pulpit

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