podium

Everyday

1. A podium is a small raised platform that a person stands on to speak, conduct an orchestra or receive a prize. tree →
2. In sport, the podium is the three-step stand where the first, second and third winners stand; "to get on the podium" means to finish in the top three. tree →
3. (US) A podium can also mean a lectern, the stand that holds a speaker's notes. tree →

In the lessons

In sports lessons and the Olympics, the podium shows gold, silver and bronze places: first in the middle (highest), second on one side, third on the other. In school assemblies a speaker may stand at a podium. In maths problems "made the podium" means finished 1st, 2nd or 3rd.

Examples

• The three winners stood on the podium to get their medals. tree →
• She finished second and stood on the podium with a silver medal. tree →
• Our team just missed the podium by coming fourth. tree →
• The head teacher spoke from the podium in the hall. tree →
• The conductor stepped onto the podium and raised his baton. tree →
• The gold medal winner stands on the highest step of the podium. tree →
• Making the podium at the swimming gala was her dream. tree →

Note

Plural: podiums (usual) or podia (formal). "Podium" is something you stand ON; a "lectern" is a stand for notes, though Americans often call that a podium too. In maths and sport, the podium = top 3 places only.