Definition of obelisk
1
: an upright 4-sided usually monolithic pillar that gradually tapers as it rises and terminates in a pyramid
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Recent Examples of obelisk from the Web
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Many are still visible in Central Park, unlikely obelisks scored by time.
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Many are still visible in Central Park, unlikely obelisks scored by time.
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More: Confederate statue in Cherokee Triangle vandalized again, this time with the word 'racist' A 351-foot tall concrete obelisk still stands at the Jefferson Davis State Historic Site in Fairview, Kentucky.
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The breakwater of the wharf is fascinating with huge granite obelisks bent by storms lining the granite rocks like seaside grave stones.
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One acclimates to such mysteries when one lives in a city built around an immense obelisk.
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When the plans for White River State Park were unveiled in March 1980, Argentine architect Cesar Pelli's obelisk-like spire was to serve as the centerpiece of the 265-acre park featuring a zoo, botanical gardens and performing arts center.
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Girls in pinafores and straw hats are preparing for an outing to Hanging Rock, where giant obelisks of red stone jut out of the earth and create a labyrinth of craggy interstices—a geological marvel and a sacred site for Aboriginal Australians.
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Yes, the lobby has oversized crystal chandeliers (obscuring a masterwork from installation artist Robert Irwin), plenty of gold accents, and a table topped with 19 replica glass obelisks that resemble props in a Stormy Daniels production.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'obelisk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of obelisk
Origin and Etymology of obelisk
Middle French obelisque, from Latin obeliscus, from Greek obeliskos, from diminutive of obelos
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First Known Use: 1561
in the meaning defined at sense 1
See Words from the same yearOBELISK Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of obelisk for English Language Learners
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: a tall, four-sided stone column that becomes narrower toward the top and that ends in a point
OBELISK Defined for Kids
Definition of obelisk for Students
: a four-sided pillar that becomes narrower toward the top and ends in a pyramid
Learn More about obelisk
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See words that rhyme with obelisk Spanish Central: Translation of obelisk Nglish: Translation of obelisk for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about obelisk
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