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

Herrera stopped to survey the landscape, beside an old obelisk monument marking the borderline. —Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 26 May 2025

In its original location, the obelisk towered over the banks of the Nile. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025

Also check out the seven-block Indiana War Memorial Plaza Historic District that includes the Indiana War Memorial & Museum and Veterans Memorial Plaza, known for its 100-foot obelisk and fountain honoring all branches of military service. —Matt Alderton, USA Today, 24 May 2025

Two 13-foot-tall obelisks made of black granite now tower over two benches that were also made in Erica Green’s honor, completing a memorial plaza in the park. —Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 17 May 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