Recent Examples on the WebTwo years ago, an obelisk erected in 1874 to mark the spot where Cook was killed, on Kealakekua Bay, was vandalized.—Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024 The obelisks would display each victim’s name and have a small shelf for visitors to leave tokens of appreciation.—Jimena Tavel, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2024 The mayor of Birmingham, a young Black man named Randall Woodfin, secreted away a Confederate obelisk from Linn Park to an undisclosed location, and gladly accepted the fine—twenty-five thousand dollars—when the state sued Birmingham.—Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024 Where obelisks differ is in their shape and structure.—Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 16 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for obelisk
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obelisk.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
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