caryatid

American  

[kar-ee-at-id] / ˌkær iˈæt ɪd /

noun

Architecture.

plural

caryatids, caryatides

1. a sculptured female figure used as a column.

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caryatid British  

/ ˌkærɪˈætɪd, ˌkærɪəˈtɪdɪk /

noun

1. a column, used to support an entablature, in the form of a draped female figure Compare telamon

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Other Word Forms

• caryatidal adjective

Etymology

Origin of caryatid

1555–65; < Latin Caryātides (singular Caryātis ) < Greek Karyā́tides columns shaped like women, literally, women of Karýai, Laconia

Example Sentences

I was like “Hey, I have an idea about these four friends that are caryatids” — which are those sculptures that hold up buildings, you know?

From Los Angeles Times

In ancient Greece, the culture where male athletes were so highly prized as heroic citizens, a caryatid was a draped female figure used instead of a column as an architectural support.

From Los Angeles Times

In it, she and Cardi B dress in Grecian goddess-inspired dresses, dance in front of classically inspired statuary, wear headdresses that evoke caryatids and transform into Grecian vases.

From Salon

Adjaye likens it to a caryatid, a statue that held up roofs in classical architecture.

From New York Times

Their style also separates them from the typical caryatids that visitors might see elsewhere.

From New York Times

Related Words

• monument