pew

noun

ˈpyü 

1

: a compartment in the auditorium of a church providing seats for several persons

2

: one of the benches with backs and sometimes doors fixed in rows in a church

Examples of pew in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Almost all mainline Christian faiths have seen precipitous drops in the pews, but the smaller presence of Catholicism is particularly evident in Milwaukee, where Catholic churches historically have anchored neighborhoods and acted as virtual community centers. —Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 4 Nov. 2024

As their pews empty, northwest Milwaukee Catholic churches collaborate to turn the tide Eva Wen is a data reporter on the investigations team. —Eva Wen, Journal Sentinel, 17 Oct. 2024

Five of Portland's leading candidates for mayor sat down in front of hundreds of voters — packed in pews at the First Congregational United Church last night — to answer questions about homelessness, housing and salvaging the public's trust in police. —Meira Gebel, Axios, 9 Oct. 2024

Internet Archive founder Brewster Kahle sits in the pews of the great room at the company’s San Francisco headquarters. —Kate Knibbs, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pewe, from Middle French dialect (Picardy) puie balustrade, from Latin podia, plural of podium parapet, podium, from Greek podion base, diminutive of pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pew

noun

ˈpyü 

: one of the benches with backs and sometimes doors set in rows in a church