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.
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 There are also less busy sites nearby including Hannya-ji Temple, a serene haven known for its sea of cosmos flowers and Japan’s tallest stone pagoda. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 The 16th-century château sits on 50 landscaped acres and has a pond, a swimming pool, a tennis court, vegetable and flower gardens, and a Japanese pagoda. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 13 Aug. 2026 Generations of locals have grown up on its signature franks — split down the middle, grilled in a secret sauce, and served from an unmistakable pagoda-style stand. — Usa Today Network, USA Today, 15 July 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

See All Rhymes for pagoda

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 4 Sep. 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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pagoda

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pagoda

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