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 section of the wall that police broke through to rescue those trapped inside Pulse—the breach wall—will be embedded beneath the obelisk. — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 The presidential center — with its obelisk-like tower — is located in Jackson Park at the end of the Midway Plaisance. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 15 June 2026 The Women's Garden is another impressive green space on the opposite side of the obelisk as the Great Lawn that honors the Suffrage Movement. — Kyler Alvord, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 The line was marked then, as now, by obelisks, 276 of them today, placed roughly within view of one another from El Paso west to the Pacific Ocean ‒ an early attempt to harden the line in the sand. — Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 28 June 2026 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

Rhymes for obelisk

See All Rhymes for obelisk

Browse Nearby Words

obeliscoid
obelisk
obelism
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Obelisk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obelisk. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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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