What does pew mean?
A pew is a long bench, normally fitted with a back, used for seating people in a church or chapel. The word can also refer collectively to the congregation occupying the church seating, as in “the full pews.” Its familiar expression, “take a pew,” offers someone a seat in a relaxed, informal way. In figurative use, being “in the front pew” can indicate that someone holds a prominent, respected, or advantageous position. Although the original meaning is specific to religious buildings, comparable fixed benches are sometimes informally called pews. The word is understood throughout the United Kingdom and the United States, with no major regional difference in form or meaning. Etymologically, it comes through Old French from Latin podium, a platform or raised structure, and is therefore related to words such as podium and pedestal.
nounA long bench, usually with a back, on which people sit in a church; collectively, the congregation occupying such seating.
- A long bench with a back, typically fixed in a church and intended to seat several people.
- The congregation of a church considered collectively as occupying the pews.
"The children sat together in the front pew while the service began."
"The choir took their places in the front pew."
"The reverend welcomed the full pews to the service."
The standard plural of the noun pew.
"Families filled the front pews during the service."
A pew shares its Latin ancestor with a podium: both descend from Latin podium, a raised platform.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pew
The word descends from Old French pewe, borrowed from Latin podium, meaning a platform or raised place for public business or performance. In English, its use developed to refer to the fixed benches installed in churches. The same Latin root also produced words including podium and pedestal.
Related word forms
How pew is actually used
The expression “take a pew” is an informal invitation to sit. Figurative uses such as “in the front pew” can suggest prominence, respectability, or an advantageous social position.