Lectern vs. Podium — What's the Difference?

A lectern (from the Latin lectus, past participle of legere, "to read") is a reading desk, with a slanted top, usually placed on a stand or affixed to some other form of support, on which documents or books are placed as support for reading aloud, as in a scripture reading, lecture, or sermon. To facilitate eye contact and improve posture when facing an audience, lecterns may have adjustable height and slant.

A podium (plural podiums or podia) is a platform used to raise something to a short distance above its surroundings. It derives from the Greek πόδι (foot).

A tall stand with a sloping top to hold a book or notes, from which someone, typically a preacher or lecturer, can read while standing up.

An elevated platform, as for an orchestra conductor or public speaker.

A reading desk with a slanted top used to hold a sacred text from which passages are read in a religious service.

A stand for holding the notes of a public speaker; a lectern.

A stand that serves as a support for the notes or books of a speaker.

A low wall serving as a foundation.

A stand with a slanted top used to support a bible from which passages are read during a church service.

A wall circling the arena of an ancient amphitheater.

A similar stand to support a lecturer's notes.

(Biology) A structure resembling or functioning as a foot.

A choir desk, or reading desk, in some churches, from which the lections, or Scripture lessons, are chanted or read.

To complete a competition, especially a race, as one of the top three contestants, usually being honored while standing on a podium.

A reading desk, usually in the form of a stand with a slanted top that holds books or lecture notes at a height convenient for reading by a speaker who is standing. A modern lectern may be of adjustable height, and be fitted with a light to illuminate the material on the desk, and sometimes a microphone or other electrical equipment for use of a speaker.

A platform on which to stand, as when conducting an orchestra or preaching at a pulpit; any low platform or dais.

Desk or stand with a slanted top used to hold a text at the proper height for a lecturer

(sometimes proscribed) A stand used to hold notes when speaking publicly.

A steepled platform upon which the three competitors with the best results may stand when being handed their medals or prize.

(sports) A result amongst the best three at a competition.

A low wall, serving as a foundation, a substructure, or a terrace wall.

The dwarf wall surrounding the arena of an amphitheatre, from the top of which the seats began.

The masonry under the stylobate of a temple, sometimes a mere foundation, sometimes containing chambers.

A foot or footstalk.

To finish in the top three at an event or competition.

A low wall, serving as a foundation, a substructure, or a terrace wall.

The foot.

A platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it