ENGLISH
REFERENCE

podium

n. · v.
US //ˈpoʊdiəm// UK //pˈəʊdiəm// podi·um
  1. 1 a speaker's platform (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a small platform you stand on so people can see you while you speak or lead music.

    a small platform used to elevate a public speaker, orchestra conductor, or performer above the level of the audience.

    Example

    The conductor stepped onto the podium and the orchestra became silent.

    Example

    The guest lecturer stood confidently behind the podium, adjusting the microphone before beginning her presentation on urban architecture.
    Pitfall
    He put his notes on the podium.
    He put his notes on the lectern.

    Strictly speaking, a podium is what you stand on; a lectern is the desk that holds your notes. However, many people use 'podium' for both in casual speech.

  2. 2 sports medals platform (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the three-level platform where winners stand to receive their medals.

    a tiered structure on which the first, second, and third-place finishers stand during an awards ceremony.

    Example

    She felt incredibly proud as she stood on the top of the podium to receive her gold medal.

    Example

    The three medallists gathered on the podium, draped in their national flags as the anthem began to play across the stadium.
    • rostrum
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  1. 3 a top-three finish (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Sport

    a result in a race or competition where you finish first, second, or third.

    a finishing position among the top three competitors in a sporting event.

    Example

    The driver was happy with a podium after starting the race in tenth place.

    Example

    Despite a mechanical failure early in the season, the team managed to secure a podium in the final Grand Prix.
    • top three finish
  2. 4 to finish in the top three (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Sport

    to finish a race or competition in first, second, or third place.

    to achieve a top-three finish in a competitive event. This verbal use is common in sports journalism but rare in formal prose.

    Example

    He has podiumed in every race so far this year.

    Example

    The young athlete managed to podium in her debut international appearance, exceeding all expectations from her coaching staff.
Origin

Borrowed from Latin podium, from Ancient Greek πόδιον (pódion, “base”), a diminutive of πούς (poús, “foot”). Doublet of pew.

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