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

Before his career ended in shame, televangelist was a pioneering legend, a magnetic preacher and performer whose mastery of both pulpit and piano earned a groundbreaking national and global following. —Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 2 July 2025

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

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