noun

dais

DAY-ihs

Dais (noun) means a raised platform, as at the front of a hall, used for a speaker, head table, or seat of honour. Example: “The bride and groom sat on a small dais at the front of the room.”

noun

A raised platform, as at the front of a hall, used for a speaker, head table, or seat of honour.

"The bride and groom sat on a small dais at the front of the room."

"The professor stepped onto the dais to begin the lecture."

How to use dais

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA raised platform that puts someone above the rest of the room — for speaking, presiding, or sitting in honour.

Common pairings

stand on a dais raised dais seated on the dais

Word forms

daises plural

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The bride and groom sat on a small _____ at the front of the room.

Etymology

From Old French deis, ultimately from Latin discus ("disc" or "table"), itself from Greek diskos.

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for dais

Mais sais tais Thais Calais marais Gervais Beaujolais

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Frequently asked questions

What does “dais” mean?

The word “dais” means a raised platform, as at the front of a hall, used for a speaker, head table, or seat of honour. In plain terms, a raised platform that puts someone above the rest of the room — for speaking, presiding, or sitting in honour.

How do you pronounce “dais”?

“Dais” is pronounced DAY-ihs (/ˈdeɪəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “dais” in a sentence?

Here is “dais” used in a sentence: “The bride and groom sat on a small dais at the front of the room.”

What part of speech is “dais”?

“Dais” is a noun.

Where does the word “dais” come from?

The word “dais” comes from Latin. From Old French deis, ultimately from Latin discus ("disc" or "table"), itself from Greek diskos.