noun

podium

POH-dee-um/ˈpəʊdiəm/

A raised platform for someone to stand on before an audience.

The conductor stands on the podium and raises her baton.

A middle-aged woman conductor stands on a clearly raised small wooden podium above the orchestra floor, baton lifted as musicians sit facing her.

Etymology

The underlying image is a “little foot,” the supporting base of a vase. That sense of a raised support connects the ancient platform to today's platform for a speaker, conductor, or award recipient.

In context

City of Santa Rosa, California143:43

comments on item 4.1. If you're in the chamber would like to comment but have not yet provided a speaker card or your name. Please make your way to the podium.

City of Santa Rosa Council Meeting February 13, 2024

More examples

The speaker steps onto the podium to address the crowd.
All three medalists wave from the podium.
Workers build a small podium at the front of the hall.

Forms

podium · podiums · podia

Similar words

platform: Any raised surface, not necessarily one used before an audience.
dais: A platform often reserved for honored guests or officials.
rostrum: A platform specifically intended for a speaker addressing an audience.