Word
podium
Phoneticspodi·um
US/ˈpoʊdiəm/
UK/pˈəʊdiəm/
Definitions
01a speaker's platform
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a small platform you stand on so people can see you while you speak or lead music.
n. a small platform used to elevate a public speaker, orchestra conductor, or performer above the level of the audience.
“The conductor stepped onto the podium and the orchestra became silent.”
“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.
02sports medals platform
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports
n. the three-level platform where winners stand to receive their medals.
n. a tiered structure on which the first, second, and third-place finishers stand during an awards ceremony.
“She felt incredibly proud as she stood on the top of the podium to receive her gold medal.”
“The three medallists gathered on the podium, draped in their national flags as the anthem began to play across the stadium.”
Synonyms
03a top-three finish
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Sports Informal
n. a result in a race or competition where you finish first, second, or third.
n. a finishing position among the top three competitors in a sporting event.
“The driver was happy with a podium after starting the race in tenth place.”
“Despite a mechanical failure early in the season, the team managed to secure a podium in the final Grand Prix.”
Synonyms
04to finish in the top three
C1 · Advanced Sports Informal
v. to finish a race or competition in first, second, or third place.
v. to achieve a top-three finish in a competitive event. This verbal use is common in sports journalism but rare in formal prose.
“He has podiumed in every race so far this year.”
“The young athlete managed to podium in her debut international appearance, exceeding all expectations from her coaching staff.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“An empty podium was left for Republican Mike Rogers, who chose not to attend.” “Brian Mulroney is pictured at the podium of the Canadian Club.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin podium, from Ancient Greek πόδιον (pódion, “base”), a diminutive of πούς (poús, “foot”). Doublet of pew.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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