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.
Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary, faced reporters for the first time Tuesday for a very brief turn at the lectern, taking a handful of questions before abruptly wrapping it up. — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026 Katie Zacharia, the new White House press secretary, faced reporters for the first time on Tuesday for a very brief turn at the lectern, taking a handful of questions before abruptly wrapping it up. — Michelle L. Price, Chicago Tribune, 13 Oct. 2026 Judge I’Ashea Myles began the hearing by calling Luke Ihnen, one of Christa Pike’s attorneys, to the lectern. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026 The offensive coordinator followed him to the lectern and offered a few more items to correct. — Sam McDowell 2, Kansas City Star, 2 Oct. 2026 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

lect
lectern
lectin
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Cite this Entry

“Lectern.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lectern. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lectern

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