A pagoda is a tall building which is used for religious purposes, especially by Buddhists, in China, Japan, and South-East Asia. Pagodas are usually very highly decorated.
pagoda in British English
(pəˈɡəʊdə) or pagod (ˈpæɡɒd)
noun
an Indian or Far Eastern temple, esp a tower, usually pyramidal and having many storeys
Word origin
C17: from Portuguese pagode, ultimately from Sanskrit bhagavatī divine
pagoda in American English
(pəˈgoʊdə)
noun
in India and the Far East, a temple in the form of a pyramidal tower of several stories, usually an odd number, commonly built over a sacred relic or as a work of devotion
Word origin
Port pagode, prob. < Pers butkadah, house of idols < but, idol + kadah, house, dwelling, prob. infl. by Prakrit bhagodī, divine, holy < Sans bhagavatī, divine, deity
Examples of 'pagoda' in a sentence
pagoda
In the centre of the pond was an island; and on the island was a little summerhouse like a miniature pagoda.
Taylor, Andy TOY SHOP (1994)
There were rustic bridges over rivulets, diminutive temples with classical pillars, a pagoda, a Roman bath-house.
Hilton, John Buxton DISPLACED PERSON (1994)
A chanting arose from the depths of the pagoda as the monks" morning prayers began.