lectern

noun

lec·​tern ˈlek-tərn How to pronounce lectern (audio)
: a stand used to support a book or script in a convenient position for a standing reader or speaker
especially : one from which scripture lessons are read in a church service

Examples of lectern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt brought the mother of Rachel Morin to the lectern of the press briefing room. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025 On a simple carpeted platform given the flavor of a town-council meeting by the scenic-design collective Dots (a lectern, a microphone, a crescent of mismatched wooden chairs), eight of the play’s nine actors face us, seated, as the show begins. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2025 As Trump approached the lectern, familiar elements of his body language and expressions surfaced, but his delivery appeared more subdued, likely due to his adherence to the prepared speech. Kristen Waggoner, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025 For more than 25 hours, the New Jersey Democrat stood at the Senate lectern speaking against President Donald Trump’s policies in what may be the most dramatic and sustained public challenge to Trump’s agenda since his return to the White House. Nik Popli, Time, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lectern

Word History

Etymology

Middle English lettorne, from Anglo-French leitrun, from Medieval Latin lectrinum, from Late Latin lectrum, from Latin legere to read — more at legend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lectern was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lectern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lectern. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

lectern

noun
lec·​tern ˈlek-tərn How to pronounce lectern (audio)
: a desk to read from while standing
especially : one from which scripture lessons are read in a church service

More from Merriam-Webster on lectern

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