podium
POH-dee-uhm
/ˈpəʊdiəm/
A small platform on which a person stands to be seen by an audience, especially a medalist in a sporting event.
In sports, 'the podium' often refers collectively to the top three finishing positions (Gold, Silver, Bronze).
The story behind the word. Derived from the Greek 'podion,' meaning 'little foot.' It originally referred to a base or pedestal that supported something else, eventually becoming the platform where a winner places their feet.
Word relationships
- platform: Platform is a general term; podium is specific to honors or speaking.
Commonly confused with
- dais: A dais is a larger raised platform for a group of people or a head table; a podium is usually for one person.
Word family
- podiums (noun): plural of podium
Collocations
- podium finish
- stand on the podium
- reach the podium
- top the podium
Example sentences
- "The three athletes stood on the podium as their national flags were raised." Olympic ceremony.
- "After a difficult season, she was thrilled to finally secure a spot on the podium." Describing a successful finish.
Memory hook
A podium is where you put your 'pods' (feet) when you win. Pod = Foot; Podium = Foot-stand.
When not to use
Do not confuse with a 'lectern' (the stand that holds a speaker's notes), though people often use them interchangeably in non-sports contexts.
Fun facts
- The three-tiered victory podium was first used at the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid.
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