OBELISK Definition & Meaning

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obelisk

[ ob-uh-lisk ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

obelisk

/ ˈɒ��ɪ��ɪ�� /

noun

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
printing another name for dagger

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Derived Forms

ˌ�ǲ��ˈ��, adjective
ˌ�ǲ��ˈ��Ǿ��, adjective

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Other �y��vlogs From

�ǲ�e·��c�� adjective
�ǲ�e·��k�Ǿ�� adjective

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of obelisk¹

1540–50; < Latin obeliscus < Greek �ǲ��í��ǲ� small spit, equivalent to obel ( ó�� ) spit, pointed pillar + -iskos diminutive suffix

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of obelisk¹

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

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Example Sentences

The rhyming of her body with this well-known obelisk, a symbol of the power invested in the first presidency, is striking.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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