A pew is a long wooden bench with a back, found in churches and other places of worship. Families sit together in pews during religious services, just like students sit in rows of desks at school. Traditional churches often have dozens of pews arranged in neat rows facing the altar or pulpit, where the minister, priest, or other religious leader stands.

Centuries ago, wealthy families sometimes had their own private pews, marked with their family name. Today, anyone can sit in any available pew, though some regular churchgoers develop a habit of sitting in the same spot each week.

Pews are usually made of polished wood and sometimes have small shelves on the back for holding hymnals (songbooks) and prayer books. In old churches, the wood might be carved with decorative details. Some pews have cushions to make them more comfortable during long services.

You might hear someone say they grew up “sitting in the pews,” meaning they attended church regularly as a child. The phrase captures both the physical bench and the experience of being part of a congregation gathering for worship.