swastika

noun

swas·​ti·​ka ˈswä-sti-kə 

 also  swä-ˈstē-

1

: a symbol or ornament in the form of a Greek cross with the ends of the arms extended at right angles all in the same rotary direction

2

: a swastika used as a symbol of anti-Semitism or of Nazism

Examples of swastika in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Authorities seized a military-style knife, a ski mask, and a swastika arm patch from Brown at the time of his arrest. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

Flashback: In September, armed, masked protesters waved swastika flags and disrupted the Pride in GC Festival in Grove City. —Andrew King, Axios, 18 Nov. 2024

Some of the incidents that Aficionado alleged took place during his employment included Ye wearing a shirt with a swastika. —Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 15 Nov. 2024

Just before our trip began, a group of St. Louis Neo Nazis had draped swastikas on an overpass in an act of pre-election saber rattling. —Dan Sheehan, Rolling Stone, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit svastika, from svasti well-being, from su- well + as- to be; akin to Sanskrit asti he is, Old English is; from its being regarded as a good luck symbol

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

swastika

noun

swas·​ti·​ka ˈswäs-ti-kə 

 also  swä-ˈstē-kə

: a symbol in the form of a cross with the ends of the arms bent at right angles all in the same direction

Etymology

from a word in Sanskrit (the ancient language of India) svastika "a symbol in the form of a cross with bent arms," from svasti "well-being"