noun

swastika

SWAH-stih-kuh/ˈswɑːstɪkə/

A cross with each arm bent at a right angle.

The museum displays a Nazi flag with a swastika.

Etymology

Sanskrit svastika means “being fortunate”: the bent-armed cross was an ancient cosmic or religious symbol thought to bring good luck. Its name reflects that significance rather than its shape.

In context

History Hustle8:10
The obvious alternative would have been the swastika
Vidkun Quisling and the Nasjonal Samling: Norway's Collaborationist Movement of World War II

More examples

  • Each arm of the swastika bends at a right angle.
  • In Hindu tradition, the swastika often represents good fortune.
  • The textbook explains how the Nazis adopted the swastika.

Forms

swastika · swastikas