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

Posts show the lower level of the Colosseum, the obelisk in front of the Pantheon and parts of the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II concealed by scaffolding or panels. —Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

The state Supreme Court is currently considering litigation stemming from a 2021 decision by the Asheville City Council to dismantle an obelisk honoring Civil War-era Gov. Zebulon Vance. —Gary D. Robertson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2024

The Orion frames are slimmer, sure, but both models are bulky black face obelisks that are unlikely to become a popular fashion item. —Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 24 Nov. 2024

An obelisk in Hawaii marking where Cook was killed in 1779 had been doused with red paint when Sides visited as part of his research for this book. —Jeff Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Apr. 2024

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