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. See dagger
   printing another name for dagger

Derived Forms

• ˌobeˈliskoid, adjective
• ˌobeˈliscal, 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 world of speakers is packed with obelisks, ovals, and what can sometimes feel like obstacles.

From Popular-Science

When they touched the obelisk, they became the largest family to have ever hiked the trail.

From Outside Online

On Sunday night, the monument’s exterior lighting did not go on, and it almost may have seemed that the great obelisk and famed symbol of Washington was fading away.

From Washington Post

As she draws closer to the shoreline she is startled by the sight of a stone obelisk rising above a promontory near the center of the island.

From Washington Post

The Hunter can see a few obelisks dotting the surrounding hills, highlighted in a red haze, with her spirit vision activated.

From Washington Post

After years of negotiations and a tough journey, the obelisk was planted at the Place de la Concorde.

From The Daily Beast

On the top of the obelisk is a 100-ounce aluminum cap, which acts as a lightning rod.

From The Daily Beast

A tasteful obelisk 100 feet high is raised to his memory in his native Eskdale, Scotland.

From Project Gutenberg

At the entrance stands an obelisk fifty feet high, and on it are inscribed the names of his victims.

From Project Gutenberg

The obelisk in the square of St. Peter's at Rome is erected in a way which offends against all the principles of statics.

From Project Gutenberg

In less than a quarter of an hour, her masts and sails formed only a white obelisk, gradually decreasing against the horizon.

From Project Gutenberg

Constantius visits Rome; he presents an obelisk from Egypt to the city.

From Project Gutenberg