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

His usual pulpit spot was changed this Sunday morning at Mount Gilead Baptist Church. —Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 June 2025

Churches, synagogues and mosques need to open their doors to summer activities for youths and their families; faith institutions must be engaged in their communities and use their pulpits to address the violence. —Otis Moss Iii, Chicago Tribune, 25 May 2025

The pope's influence stretches beyond the pulpit, often shaping American life through spiritual leadership, cultural symbolism and, at times, sway over politics and global affairs. —Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

The only thing Serena ever wanted more than a baby was a pulpit for her own fundamentalism. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 8 Apr. 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