obelisk

[ ob-uh-lisk ]

noun

1. a tapering, four-sided shaft of stone, usually monolithic and having a pyramidal apex.
2. something resembling such a shaft.
3. an obelus.
4. Printing. dagger ( def 2 ).

obelisk

/ ˈɒbɪlɪsk /

noun

1. a stone pillar having a square or rectangular cross section and sides that taper towards a pyramidal top, often used as a monument in ancient Egypt
2. printing another name for dagger

Derived Forms

• ˌobeˈliscal, adjective
• ˌobeˈliskoid, adjective

Other Words From

• obe·liscal adjective
• obe·liskoid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of obelisk¹

1540–50; < Latin obeliscus < Greek obelískos small spit, equivalent to obel ( ós ) spit, pointed pillar + -iskos diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of obelisk¹

C16: via Latin from Greek obeliskos a little spit, from obelos spit

Example Sentences

The thieves made off with 19 bracelets, seven pairs of earrings, four necklaces, a pair of obelisks, eight rings, and 20 watches, according to federal prosecutors.

From Los Angeles Times

The idea to transport imposing obelisks to Paris came about at the turn of the 19th century, during Napoleon Bonaparte’s military campaign in Egypt.

From Seattle Times

Breakdancers, BMX riders and skaters will compete beneath an ancient Egyptian obelisk at the square where France’s last king and queen were beheaded.

From Seattle Times

Horses neighed in terror, dogs stared into space, transfixed by the tremors, and in Central Park, an Egyptian obelisk “trembled from apex to pedestal,” according to a New York Times article dated Aug. 11, 1884.

From New York Times

While secondary to plants, built structures, such as an arbor, sculptural obelisks or a humble tipi, support wandering vines and furnish another layer of enclosure.

From Seattle Times