swastika

noun

swas·​ti·​ka ˈswä-sti-kə 

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

Congregation Beth Shalom Rabbi Robert Gamer said the vandalism was found on a pillar near the front door of the synagogue and included a swastika and other hate speech. —Paula Wethington, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026

Investigators alleged the 15-year-old boy drew the swastika, police said. —Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2026

New guidelines on how to teach Nazism The swastika epidemic wasn’t happening in isolation. —Daniela R. P. Weiner, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026

Indeed, Ye has been something of an outcast in the mainstream entertainment industry since a series of antisemitic and racist tirades in 2022, culminating in the release of a swastika T-shirt via his Yeezy brand. —Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2026

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

Kids Definition

swastika

noun

swas·​ti·​ka ˈswäs-ti-kə 

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"