pulpit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Ecclesiastical
Quick answer
What does “pulpit” mean?
A raised, enclosed platform in a church or chapel from which the preacher delivers a sermon.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A raised, enclosed platform in a church or chapel from which the preacher delivers a sermon.
A position of public prominence or authority from which opinions, particularly moral or ideological ones, are forcefully expressed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference. The architectural style of pulpits may vary, but the term is identical.
Connotations
Identical in both dialects. Carries strong connotations of formal religious authority and, figuratively, moral lecturing.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to the established state church and common ecclesiastical discourse, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “pulpit” in a Sentence
preach from the Xspeak from the Xuse X as a pulpit for Ydescend from the XVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pulpit” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- pulpit style
- pulpit manner
American English
- pulpit style
- pulpit manner
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly figurative: 'The CEO used the earnings call as a pulpit for his views on regulation.'
Academic
Used in historical, architectural, religious studies, and rhetoric (figurative usage).
Everyday
Low frequency. Mainly understood in its literal religious context.
Technical
Specific term in ecclesiastical architecture and church liturgy.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pulpit”
- Confusing 'pulpit' (for preaching) with 'lectern' (for reading/lecturing). Using 'pulpit' for any raised platform without the connotation of moral/ideological speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A pulpit is specifically designed for preaching a sermon in a church and is often enclosed. A lectern is a stand for holding notes or a book for reading, used in churches, lecture halls, and conferences.
Yes, figuratively. It describes any prominent position used to express strong opinions, especially of a moral, ideological, or persuasive nature (e.g., 'the pulpit of social media').
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. Most learners will encounter it primarily in religious contexts, historical texts, or figurative language in advanced writing.
No, 'pulpit' is solely a noun. The related actions are 'preach from the pulpit' or 'speak from the pulpit'.
A raised, enclosed platform in a church or chapel from which the preacher delivers a sermon.
Pulpit is usually formal, ecclesiastical in register.
Pulpit: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpʊlpɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpʊlpɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “climb/get (down) from one's pulpit (to stop lecturing people)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PULLed PIT: a speaker is PULLed into the spotlight (pit) to address the crowd.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS HEIGHT / MORAL INSTRUCTION IS A SERMON.
Practice
Quiz
In its figurative sense, 'pulpit' most strongly implies: