Meaning & Definition of word "Pew"

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    Pew

    /pjuː/

    noun:

    • 1. A long bench with a back, used for seating in a church.
      • Example: They sat in the last pew of the church during the Sunday service.
    • 2. A designated seating area in a place of worship.
      • Example: The family reserved a pew for their relatives at the wedding.
    • 3. A group of seats or a section within a larger assembly.
      • Example: The choir occupied the pews across the aisle from the congregation.

    verb:

    • 1. To enclose or segregate into a specific area, especially in a church.
      • Example: The new design of the chapel pews will provide more privacy for the worshippers.

    Etymology

    Middle English 'pewe', from Old French 'puye', from Latin 'podia', meaning 'platform'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    front pew:

    The first row of seating in a church, often reserved for important guests.

    back pew:

    The last row of seating in a church, often occupied by latecomers.

    Related Words

    benches:

    Seating that is typically longer and designed for multiple people.

    seating:

    Arrangements of chairs or benches for people to sit.

    aisle:

    A passageway between rows of seats, usually found in theaters or churches.

    Slang Meanings of pew

    Meaning: An exclamation of relief or disgust.

    Example Sentence: Pew! That smell was awful!

    Meaning: A way to express surprise or disbelief.

    Example Sentence: Pew! I didn't expect that to happen!