pagoda

noun

pa·​go·​da pə-ˈgō-də How to pronounce pagoda (audio)
Synonyms of pagodanext
: a tower in eastern Asia usually with roofs curving upward at the division of each of several stories and erected as a temple or memorial

Illustration of pagoda

Illustration of pagoda

Examples of pagoda in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When the weather cooperates, book an al fresco table among the pagoda trees and boxwoods of the lush garden that feels light years away from the city. — Jaclyn Degiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Sometimes there's a wire handle, sometimes a bright red graphic of a Chinese-style pagoda on the side. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 Historically, the pagodas have served as a visual symbol through which the West imagined the East. — Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026 The temple, with its pagoda-style roof, has been around for centuries and is considered one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in Asia. — Andrew Jones, NBC news, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pagoda

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese pagode statue of a deity, Hindu or Buddhist temple

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pagoda was in 1582

Rhymes for pagoda

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Browse Nearby Words

pagod
pagoda
pagoda dogwood
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Cite this Entry

“Pagoda.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pagoda. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

pagoda

noun
pa·​go·​da pə-ˈgōd-ə How to pronounce pagoda (audio)
: a tower in eastern Asia of several stories erected as a temple or memorial

More from Merriam-Webster on pagoda

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