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

And then there are white supremacists, who have emblazoned themselves with swastikas, Norse runes, the SS logo, and other symbols. —Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 1 May 2025

In September, Najeeb also spoke at an event in support of a Milwaukee mural created by her brother that merged a Star of David with a swastika. —Janine Henni, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025

Vandals targeting Tesla have crossed the line by painting red swastikas on some Cybertrucks and setting other cars on fire. —Leonard Greene, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2025

Once there, visitors had the sole option of buying a t-shirt emblazoned with a swastika. —Tatiana Siegel, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025

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"