caryatid

noun

cary·​at·​id ˌker-ē-ˈa-təd 

ˌka-rē-;

ˈker-ē-ə-ˌtid 

ˈka-rē-

plural caryatids or caryatides ˌker-ē-ˈa-tə-ˌdēz 

ˌka-rē-

: a draped female figure supporting an entablature

Illustration of caryatid

Examples of caryatid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At its entrance, monumental basalt sculptures lean precariously against 14th-century walls, reversing the traditional role of the caryatid and quietly speaking to visitors. — Y-Jean Mun-Delsalle, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026

For her appearance at fashion’s biggest night, the French influencer paired the metallic top with a similarly daring skirt — the French label’s caryatid draped jersey skirt, per Lomellini — in a shade of powdery blue, and wore a pair of strappy white heels. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026

Bedrock's redevelopment restored the building's unique exterior detailing, which includes a dozen half-naked female stone figures known as caryatids. — Jc Reindl, Freep.com, 31 Mar. 2026

Rooms come with Botanist & The Chemist toiletries, miniature fluffy robes, a signature purple starfish soft toy, and copious sweet treats, from white chocolate caryatids to cones of M&M’s. — Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin caryatides, plural, from Greek karyatides priestesses of Artemis at Caryae, caryatids, from Karyai Caryae in Laconia

First Known Use

1563, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for caryatid

• allotted
• besotted
• boycotted
• carotid
• parotid
• unspotted
• blotted
• clotted
• dotted
• jotted
• knotted
• plotted

Kids Definition

caryatid

noun

cary·​at·​id ˌkar-ē-ˈat-əd 

plural caryatids or caryatides

-ˈat-ə-ˌdēz

: a sculptured figure of a woman in flowing robes used as a column in architecture