swastika

noun

swas·​ti·​ka ˈswä-sti-kə How to pronounce swastika (audio)
 also  swä-ˈstē-
1
: a symbol or ornament in the form of a Greek cross with the ends of the arms extended at right angles all in the same rotary direction
2
: a swastika used as a symbol of anti-Semitism or of Nazism

Examples of swastika in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bluer also is accused of spray-painting swastikas, a racist slur, symbols and other graffiti on a public bathroom at Trombly Park in Warren. Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 14 Mar. 2024 This hate crime comes just days after surveillance video captured a suspect spray-painting a swastika on a wall of the Arch Street memorial over the weekend. Stepheny Price, Fox News, 17 Jan. 2024 How that lament connects with the swastikas on Lillian’s bedspread, rather than with half a century of plutocratic policy, is never suggested. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Dec. 2023 Neo-Nazi posters and swastikas have appeared around campus in recent years. Ana Claudia Chacin, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2024 In addition to being in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic, a swastika was found in a campus building. Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 1 Feb. 2024 The letter contained swastikas and directions for making molotov cocktails, according to court records. Jonathan Edwards, Washington Post, 31 Jan. 2024 According to officials, on October 20, a student at Chevy Chase Elementary reported finding swastikas, inappropriate words, and a stick figure drawing of a person firing weapons displayed on a wall in the boys’ bathroom. Stepheny Price, Fox News, 2 Nov. 2023 His trial featured witnesses that included the pilot himself, who testified in full Nazi uniform complete with swastika. Jack Kresnak, Detroit Free Press, 21 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'swastika.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit svastika, from svasti well-being, from su- well + as- to be; akin to Sanskrit asti he is, Old English is; from its being regarded as a good luck symbol

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of swastika was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near swastika

Cite this Entry

“Swastika.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swastika. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

swastika

noun
swas·​ti·​ka ˈswäs-ti-kə How to pronounce swastika (audio)
 also  swä-ˈstē-kə
: a symbol in the form of a cross with the ends of the arms bent at right angles all in the same direction
Etymology

from a word in Sanskrit (the ancient language of India) svastika "a symbol in the form of a cross with bent arms," from svasti "well-being"

More from Merriam-Webster on swastika

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