swastika

noun

swas·​ti·​ka ˈswä-sti-kə 

 also  swä-ˈstē-

1

: a symbol or ornament in the form of a Greek cross with the ends of the arms extended at right angles all in the same rotary direction

2

: a swastika used as a symbol of anti-Semitism or of Nazism

Examples of swastika in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2017, Milgrim was interviewed by a KSHB TV reporter after swastikas were spray-painted on buildings at the Shawnee Mission East campus. —Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 22 May 2025

In 2017, swastikas were graffitied on Ms. Milgrim’s public high school in Prairie Village. —John Yoon, New York Times, 22 May 2025

Holocaust denial is classified as hate speech, and swastikas are seen as symbols of anti-constitutional organizations. —Mark Sappenfield, Christian Science Monitor, 12 May 2025

Just last fall, swastikas and other antisemitic graffiti were spray painted on the bus at the Morrison Family YMCA where multiple Jewish sports leagues were playing. —Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit svastika, from svasti well-being, from su- well + as- to be; akin to Sanskrit asti he is, Old English is; from its being regarded as a good luck symbol

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

swastika

noun

swas·​ti·​ka ˈswäs-ti-kə 

 also  swä-ˈstē-kə

: a symbol in the form of a cross with the ends of the arms bent at right angles all in the same direction

Etymology

from a word in Sanskrit (the ancient language of India) svastika "a symbol in the form of a cross with bent arms," from svasti "well-being"