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.
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 While at the lectern, Booker has railed against the Trump administration's and Republican lawmakers' attacks on federal agencies and programs, including potential cuts to Medicaid. Avery Lotz, Axios, 1 Apr. 2025 Speakers at commission meetings typically stand at lecterns to address the board. Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2025 Within minutes of Trump taking to the lectern in front of Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) members of the opposition began booing and jeering the Republican. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 4 Mar. 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 15 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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