pulpit

UK: /ˈpʊlpɪt/ US: /ˈpʊlpɪt, ˈpʌl-/ ,(pŏŏl′pit, pul′-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

pul•pit /ˈpʊlpɪt, ˈpʌl-/   n. 

1. Religion [countable] a platform or raised structure in a church, from which the sermon is delivered or the service is conducted.
2. Religion [uncountable] the clerical profession;
   ministry.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pul•pit  (pŏŏl′pit, pul′-), n. 

1. Religion a platform or raised structure in a church, from which the sermon is delivered or the service is conducted.
2. Religion the pulpit:
   • the clerical profession;
     the ministry.
   • members of the clergy collectively:
     In attendance were representatives of medicine, the pulpit, and the bar.
3. Judaism, Religion (esp. in Protestantism and Judaism) the position of pastor or rabbi:
   He heard of a pulpit in Chicago that was about to be vacated.
4. Religion preaching.
5. (in small craft)
   • Nautical a safety rail rising about 18 to 30 in. (48 to 76 cm) from the deck near the bow and extending around it.
   • Naval Terms a similar rail at the stern.
6. a control booth in a factory, usually elevated and glass-enclosed, from which an operator can observe and direct the manufacturing process.

• Late Latin pulpitum pulpit, Latin: platform, stage
• Middle English 1300–50

pul′pit•al, adj. 
pul′pit•less, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

pulpit / ˈpʊlpɪt/ noun

1. a raised platform, usually surrounded by a barrier, set up in churches as the appointed place for preaching, leading in prayer, etc
2. a medium for expressing an opinion, such as a column in a newspaper
3. the pulpit ⇒ the preaching of the Christian message
4. the clergy or their message and influence

Etymology: 14th Century: from Latin pulpitum a platform