lectern

noun

lec·tern ˈlek-tərn

: a stand used to support a book or script in a convenient position for a standing reader or speaker

especially : one from which scripture lessons are read in a church service

Examples of lectern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

At the other lectern, Donald Trump, mugging, could hardly believe his luck. —

The New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2024 Illustration: Sam Green On September 26, 2018, Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro approached the lectern at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. —

Zach Dorfman, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2024 Strangio will present the arguments for these plaintiffs at the lectern in the ornate courtroom. —

Reuters, NBC News, 21 Oct. 2024 Standing at lecterns Both Walz and Vance will stand at identical lecterns for the entire 90-minute debate, marking the first time since 2008 that vice presidential candidates have not been seated to debate. —

Nik Popli, TIME, 27 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lectern

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lettorne, from Anglo-French leitrun, from Medieval Latin lectrinum, from Late Latin lectrum, from Latin legere to read — more at legend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of lectern was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century