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

Other projects include building the pews and completing work on the sanctuary wainscoting, the stairway and the pulpit. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 19 Dec. 2024

Santería’s growth has presented a dilemma to the Catholic Church in Cuba which does not recognize the religion but, faced with often empty pews at services, cannot afford to turn away its followers. —Patrick Oppmann, CNN, 19 Dec. 2024

In early October, Richardson's friends and family filled the pews of the small Trinity Memorial Funeral Home to commemorate his life. —CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024

Timoner asks fellow rabbi Stephanie Kolin, sitting miserably in a pew. —Lisa Kennedy, Variety, 23 Nov. 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