podium
podium Lexical Profile
podium Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small raised platform on which a person stands to be seen by an audience, such as when giving a speech or conducting an orchestra.
"The conductor stepped onto the podium and raised her baton to signal the orchestra."
North American A tall, narrow desk or stand with a slanted top used to hold notes for a speaker.
"The mayor gripped the edges of the podium as he delivered his impassioned keynote address."
A tiered platform where medals are awarded to the top three competitors in a sporting event.
"The gold medalist stood proudly in the center of the podium as her national anthem played."
• verb
To finish in the top three places of a sporting competition, thereby qualifying to stand on the medal platform.
"Despite a poor start in the final race, she managed to podium and secure the bronze medal."
Word Nuance & Usage
In strict architectural and traditional usage, a podium is a raised platform one stands on, whereas a lectern is the slanted desk holding a speaker's notes. However, in common North American usage, 'podium' is widely accepted as a synonym for 'lectern'.
• Rhymes for podium
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'podium' (elevated platform, balcony), which originated from Ancient Greek 'podion' (little foot, base), a diminutive of 'pous' (foot).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.