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

The murals honor Black history and feature several Black heroes, including Jackie Robinson, whose mural was among those defaced with the N-word and a Nazi swastika. —Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 6 June 2025

Its announcement also said Columbia did not investigate or take disciplinary action against vandalism, including multiple swastikas on university property, or enforce content-neutral restrictions on campus protests. —Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025

Some have taken to spray-painting swastikas on Tesla sedans and Cybertrucks. —Emma Bowman, NPR, 29 Mar. 2025

December 2, 2022: Ye tweets a photo of a swastika inside of a Star of David, andElon Musk confirms that Ye’s account will be suspended for incitement of violence. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 26 May 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"