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

Americans are accustomed to hearing biblical terms from the pulpit on Sunday, but these days they're frequently invoked from the Pentagon podium. —CBS News, 19 Apr. 2026

Hundreds of film executives, politicians, media personalities and friends gave a standing ovation as Chaz Ebert, wife of beloved Chicago Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert, approached the pulpit during his funeral at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026

There is a limit to how much the mayor’s office can do — like, say, compel the governor to raise taxes in order to fund a set of programs that were central to one’s campaign — but as an organizing apparatus, City Hall is an incredible pulpit. —Clio Chang, Curbed, 6 Apr. 2026

Some wiped away tears as Fayyad named one by one the southern churches, illustrated in the cardboard cutouts next to the pulpit. —ABC News, 5 Apr. 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