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

Nowadays, on Sunday mornings on the trail, Talarico often attends a local church and strolls around happily, eying the pulpit like a home buyer trying a listing on for size. —Tad Friend, New Yorker, 23 Feb. 2026

But one of his most consequential legacies unfolded far from church pulpits and voting booths. —Brennan Nevada Johnson, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026

The Baptists have no hierarchy and no educational requirements for the pulpit. —Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026

Jackson — only 26, and not yet an ordained minister — was dressed informally, in a loose jacket and a hip collarless pullover that distinguished him from the dark-suited, pulpit-ready King and King's conservatively attired associates. —John Beifuss, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 18 Feb. 2026

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