obelisk

noun

obe·​lisk ˈä-bə-ˌlisk How to pronounce obelisk (audio)
 also  ˈō-
Synonyms of obelisknext
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

Illustration of obelisk
  • obelisk 1

Examples of obelisk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The structure can be a decorative trellis, obelisk, or simple metal or wooden pole. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2025 Sheehan picked a side in one of the last unresolved design questions the citizens committee could not agree on: Should a portion of the club’s wall be preserved in the memorial’s central area or should it be torn down and replaced with an obelisk? — Silas Morgan, Orlando Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2025 The design features a central fountain and seating surrounded by 17 limestone obelisks, each one displaying a victim’s name. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2025 This summer, Kommersant counted 110 obelisks and statues commemorating Stalin himself. — Leon Aron, The Atlantic, 5 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for obelisk

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of obelisk was in 1561

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Obelisk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obelisk. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

obelisk

noun
obe·​lisk ˈäb-ə-ˌlisk How to pronounce obelisk (audio)
: a four-sided pillar that becomes narrower toward the top and ends in a pyramid

More from Merriam-Webster on obelisk

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for obelisk

Nglish: Translation of obelisk for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about obelisk

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