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

Make use of vertical space by attaching smaller containers to a fence or place an obelisk or trellis in a container to support climbing plants like pole beans or cucumbers. —Special To The Denver Post, Denver Post, 19 Aug. 2025

General Lafayette, during his famous tour of America in 1824, officiated over the laying of the obelisk’s cornerstone. —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 19 July 2025

Incorporate obelisks within beds to draw the eye and give structure to trailing plants. —Lauren Dunec Hoang, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 July 2025

To sightsee impressive architecture, palazzos, monuments, obelisks and fountains. —Laura Manske, Forbes.com, 29 June 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