obelisk

noun

obe·​lisk ˈä-bə-ˌlisk 

 also  ˈō-

1

: an upright 4-sided usually monolithic pillar that gradually tapers as it rises and terminates in a pyramid

2

a

: obelus

b

: dagger sense 2b

Illustration of obelisk

• obelisk 1

Examples of obelisk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Concorde obelisk was one of two red granite columns that Ramses raised outside Egypt’s Luxor Temple. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025

The obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Francis is from, was illuminated with a projection of the pope on Saturday night. —Reuters, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2025

The obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Francis is from, was illuminated with a projection of the pope on Saturday night. —Reuters, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2025

The design features a central fountain and seating surrounded by 17 limestone obelisks, each one displaying a victim’s name. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin obeliscus "four-sided pillar," borrowed from Greek obelískos "skewer, four-sided pillar," diminutive of obelós "spit, four-sided pillar" — more at obelus

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

obelisk

noun

obe·​lisk ˈäb-ə-ˌlisk 

: a four-sided pillar that becomes narrower toward the top and ends in a pyramid