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 When the pulpit is removed, Bush sings the bridge with a visceral intensity, ending the song by grabbing a bow and arrow and placing herself in an archer stance. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 3 Nov. 2023 Back in the mid-19th century, fiery speakers took to the pulpit, denouncing slavery. Dominique Janee, Scientific American, 2 Nov. 2023 The opinion points to five statements from church leaders included in the court record, including Hinckley’s statement from the General Conference pulpit. Tony Semerad, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Aug. 2023 There’s a pulpit off in one corner, a massive skull in another. Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 13 Sep. 2023 So, in an attempt to clarify things, the loquacious frontman made yet another pronouncement from his pulpit on Thursday night (Sept. 28) during a show at San Jose’s SAP Arena. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 29 Sep. 2023 Now, as a new school year started, the Rev. Gaston Smith was standing at the pulpit with a lesson on one of those chapters. Brittany Shammas, Washington Post, 24 Sep. 2023 For many rabbis, the commitment to striking workers goes well beyond the pulpit. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2023 One memorable moment came with his pantomime reenactment of Brigham Young, the church president under whose direction the pioneers had built that temple, at the pulpit of the assembly room. The Salt Lake Tribune, 7 Sep. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pulpit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near pulpit

Cite this Entry

“Pulpit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulpit. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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