obelisk

noun

obe·​lisk ˈä-bə-ˌlisk 

 also  ˈō-

1

: an upright 4-sided usually monolithic pillar that gradually tapers as it rises and terminates in a pyramid

2

a

: obelus

b

: dagger sense 2b

Illustration of obelisk

• obelisk 1

Examples of obelisk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Francis is from, was illuminated with a projection of the pope on Saturday night. —Reuters, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2025

The obelisk in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where Francis is from, was illuminated with a projection of the pope on Saturday night. —Reuters, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2025

The design features a central fountain and seating surrounded by 17 limestone obelisks, each one displaying a victim’s name. —Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025

Many of these obelisks only loosely resembled each other, so there are likely different types of obelisks. —Discover Magazine, 31 Jan. 2025

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

First Known Use

1561, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

obelisk

noun

obe·​lisk ˈäb-ə-ˌlisk 

: a four-sided pillar that becomes narrower toward the top and ends in a pyramid