pyramid
noun
pyr·a·mid
| \ ˈpir-ə-ˌmid
\
\
Definition of pyramid
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: an ancient massive structure found especially in Egypt having typically a square ground plan, outside walls in the form of four triangles that meet in a point at the top, and inner sepulchral chambers
b
: a structure or object of similar form
2
: a polyhedron having for its base a polygon and for faces triangles with a common vertex — see Volume Formulas Table
3
: a crystalline form each face of which intersects the vertical axis and either two lateral axes or in the tetragonal system one lateral axis
4
: an anatomical structure resembling a pyramid: such as
a
: any of the conical masses that project from the renal medulla into the renal pelvis
b
: either of two large bundles of motor fibers from the cerebral cortex that reach the medulla oblongata and are continuous with the pyramidal tracts of the spinal cord
5
: an immaterial structure built on a broad supporting base and narrowing gradually to an apex
the socioeconomic pyramid
pyramid
verb
pyramided;
pyramiding;
pyramids
Definition of pyramid (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to speculate (as on a security or commodity exchange) by using paper profits as margin for additional transactions
2
: to increase rapidly and progressively step by step on a broad base
1
: to arrange or build up as if on the base of a pyramid
2
: to use (something, such as profits) in speculative pyramiding
3
: to increase the impact of (something, such as a tax assessed at the production level) on the ultimate consumer by treating as a cost subject to markup
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Other Words from pyramid
Noun
pyramidal
\ pə-ˈra-mə-dᵊl
, ˌpir-ə-ˈmi-
\
adjective
, ˌpir-ə-ˈmi-
\
adjective
pyramidally
adverb
pyramidical
\ ˌpir-ə-ˈmi-di-kəl
\
adjective
\
adjective
Examples of pyramid in a Sentence
Noun
the ancient pyramids of EgyptRecent Examples on the Web: Noun
Dance Moms: Resurrection introduced a fresh crop of young dancers ready to earn their place on the top of the pyramid. — Sophia Caraballo, Woman's Day, "All the Details Of 'Dance Moms' Abby Lee Miller’s Medical Past," 28 July 2019 The trees have also shrouded three sides of the pyramid. 4 trees to come down Following an April study of the 51 trees at the Tempe Municipal Complex, an arborist recommended that the four trees near the council chambers be removed. — Paulina Pineda, azcentral, "4 massive ficus trees surrounding Tempe City Hall to be cut down," 3 July 2019 The England international's attributes and skills translated well to life at the top of the pyramid, helping him break the Premier League for most consecutive matches scored in as the Midlanders lifted their maiden title in 2016. — SI.com, "8 Premier League Players Who Worked Their Way Up the Footballing Pyramid," 29 June 2019 In 1962, two members of the Flying Wallendas group died and another was paralyzed after a performer lost his balance during an attempt at a seven-person pyramid in Detroit. — Lindsay Kimble, PEOPLE.com, "Nik Wallenda and Sister Who Fell During Stunt Will Walk Highwire Over Times Square This Weekend," 20 June 2019 The famous bird greets guests in a sombrero and poncho for photo ops in front of an ancient Aztec pyramid. — Kathleen Christiansen, orlandosentinel.com, "Donald Duck Day: Where to find the famous bird at Walt Disney World," 9 June 2019 Rainbow colored nails, adorned by Melody Ehsani rings, complemented the pyramids in Cairo well. — Akili King, Vogue, "The Best Beauty Instagrams of the Week: Zendaya, Elsa Hosk, and More," 17 Mar. 2019 One even sought a new mind-set, and a different kind of ending, at the top of an ancient pyramid. — Raúl Vilchis, New York Times, "Mexico Wages a Psychological Battle Against Its World Cup Demons," 6 June 2018 An architectural landmark, Raffles Dubai channels an Egyptian pyramid both inside and out. — Laura Ratliff, Condé Nast Traveler, "35 Best Hotels in Dubai," 4 Mar. 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pyramid.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for pyramid
pyramid
noun
English Language Learners Definition of pyramid
: a very large structure built especially in ancient Egypt that has a square base and four triangular sides which form a point at the top
: a shape, object, or pile that is wide near the bottom and narrows gradually as it reaches the top
: something that resembles a pyramid in the way its parts are arranged or organized
See the full definition for pyramid in the English Language Learners Dictionary
pyramid
noun
pyr·a·mid
| \ ˈpir-ə-ˌmid
\
\
Kids Definition of pyramid
1
: a large structure built especially in ancient Egypt that usually has a square base and four triangular sides meeting at a point and that contains tombs
2
: a shape or structure with a polygon for its base and three or more triangles for its sides which meet to form the top
pyramid
noun
pyr·a·mid
| \ ˈpir-ə-ˌmid
\
\
Medical Definition of pyramid
1
: a polyhedron having for its base a polygon and for faces triangles with a common vertex
2
: an anatomical structure resembling a pyramid: as
a
: renal pyramid