Langimage
English

pew

|pew|

B2

/pjuː/

church bench

Etymology
Etymology Information

'pew' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'puie,' where 'puie' meant 'balcony' or 'elevated place.'

Historical Evolution

'puie' changed from the Old French word 'puie' and eventually became the modern English word 'pew'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'an elevated place or balcony,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a church bench.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a long bench with a back, placed in rows in the main part of some churches to seat the congregation.

The church was filled with rows of wooden pews.

Synonyms

Noun 2

an informal exclamation used to express disgust or annoyance, often related to a bad smell.

Pew! What is that smell?

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39