pentagram

American  

[pen-tuh-gram] / ˈpɛn təˌgræm /

noun

1. a five-pointed, star-shaped figure made by extending the sides of a regular pentagon until they meet, used as an occult symbol by the Pythagoreans and later philosophers, by magicians, etc.

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pentagram British  

/ ˈpɛntəˌɡræm /

noun

1. a star-shaped figure formed by extending the sides of a regular pentagon to meet at five points

2. such a figure used as a magical or symbolic figure by the Pythagoreans, black magicians, etc

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Other Word Forms

• pentagrammatic adjective

Etymology

Origin of pentagram

From the Greek word pentágrammon, dating back to 1825–35. See penta-, -gram ¹

Example Sentences

“When you slice open an apple, the seeds and fibrous membrane that make up the core are arranged in a pentagram — a five-pointed star,” wrote Vice back in 2016.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2025

Some of the letters featured an anti-fascist symbol, a progress pride flag and a pentagram.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 18, 2023

Some of the letters featured an antifascist symbol, a progress pride flag and a pentagram.

From Washington Times • Nov. 18, 2023

A raised altar stands at one end, a white pentagram on the floor in front of it.

From BBC • May 19, 2023

In the old days, five elfin warlocks would form a pentagram around the target and spread a magic shield over it, temporarily stopping time inside the enchanted enclosure.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer