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

Spitzer previously criticized the sentencing, saying Mayfield was a dangerous racist who had a swastika and SS bolt tattoos. —Andrea Klick, Oc Register, 24 June 2025

At least two of them feature swastika decorations and probably glass paste. —Chloe Mayer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025

Long before Adolf Hitler co-opted the swastika as a symbol of the Nazi party in 1920, it was used around the world as an ancient emblem of good fortune. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 May 2025

The murals honor Black history and feature several Black heroes, including Jackie Robinson, whose mural was among those defaced with the N-word and a Nazi swastika. —Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 6 June 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"