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

In 1922 the mayor of Baltimore dedicated a 25-foot wood and plaster obelisk as a monument for the 130 children who died in motor accidents that year. —Scott D. Anthony, Fortune, 29 Nov. 2025

Andrew Leyden, a freelance photographer in Washington, D.C., posted photos of the scene from the top of the obelisk on X last week. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025

The Washington Monument stood partially constructed, looking more like the Leaning Tower of Pisa than the modern-day towering obelisk. —Big Think, 13 Nov. 2025

Notably, the opening desert scenes featuring Will Sampson and the Hopi obelisk were filmed at Canyon de Chelly National Monument in Arizona. —Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 28 Oct. 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