ankh

American  

[angk, ahngk] / æŋk, ɑŋk /

noun

Egyptian Art.

1. a tau (T-shaped) cross with a loop at the top, used as a symbol of generation or enduring life.

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ankh British  

/ æŋk /

noun

1. Also called: ansate cross.   crux ansata.  a tau cross with a loop on the top, symbolizing eternal life: often appearing in Egyptian personal names, such as Tutankhamen

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Etymology

Origin of ankh

First recorded in 1885–90; from Egyptian ʿnh̬ “live”; apparently at least partially homophonous with word for “sandal strap,” hence stylized picture of sandal strap became symbol for life

Explanation

The ankh is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyph that symbolizes life. Another name for the ankh is "the key of life." The ankh looks like a cross with a teardrop-shaped loop at the top. It shows up everywhere in ancient Egyptian art, architecture, burial tombs, and household items like mirrors and drinking vessels. Even today, there are many people who wear ankh jewelry or amulets, just as pharaohs did thousands of years ago. In Egyptian, ankh means "life or soul."

Example Sentences

Draped in Afrocentric garb including statuesque headwraps and ankh jewelry, Badu teleported into the music scene in 1997 with her debut album, “Baduizm.”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 1, 2023

She has three tattoos, including an ankh tattoo, the Egyptian symbol of life, on her ankle; a picture of a girl on her right thigh; and a tribal symbol below her chest.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2022

In Egypt, they were incorporated into the ankh, symbolizing the sun.

From Scientific American • May 4, 2019

“This is an ankh—an ankh is an ancient Kemetic symbol,” she said.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 25, 2016

A crescent moon sits at the nape of her neck; an Egyptian ankh near her collarbone.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern