Etymology Map
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Pulpit

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a raised platform in a church for preaching

Where does the word "pulpit" come from? It comes from Latin pulpitum, passing through Medieval Latin before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
pulpitum
Latin · ancient
"stage, platform"
used for the actors' platform in a Roman theatre
2
Stage 2 of 3
pulpitum
Medieval Latin · medieval
"church reading platform"
medieval churches raised pulpits so preachers could be heard across the nave
3
Stage 3 of 3
pulpit
English · 1300s
"preaching platform"
'the pulpit' stands for preaching itself
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Read the full story

Pulpit’s story begins in Latin: pulpitum meant “stage, platform.” Used for the actors' platform in a Roman theatre. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Medieval Latin as pulpitum. Medieval churches raised pulpits so preachers could be heard across the nave. It reached English by 1300s as pulpit. 'the pulpit' stands for preaching itself. Today, pulpit means a raised platform in a church for preaching.