Definition of obelisk
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: 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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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.
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Mr Komarow volunteered, and by nightfall secured the release of nine hostages inside the obelisk.
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The tomb by sculptor Larkin Mead sits atop a hill in Oak Ridge Cemetery, its obelisk rising 117 feet.
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If the efforts turn up a big black obelisk somewhere, so much the better.
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The garden facade, however, has a real sense of Italianate drama, with terraced levels and flights of steps flanking a tumbling waterfall, and stone obelisks wrapped in crimson roses.
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Instead of constructing another model patriotic sight like Bunker Hill’s obelisk, post-war elites built the Arlington Street Armory as a warning for poor, potentially rebellious South Enders.
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Made to order in Egypt, the obelisk was then shipped back to Benevento.
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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