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

The people who have spoken from this pulpit are remarkable. —Samantha Balaban, NPR, 14 June 2025

Two California pollsters found that Newsom’s recent political pivot did not endear him to state voters, either. ‘Bully pulpit’ But there is some potentially good news in all this for Newsom. —Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 10 June 2025

The color of the pulpit is determined by different cultivars. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 20 May 2025

His usual pulpit spot was changed this Sunday morning at Mount Gilead Baptist Church. —Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 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