# pyramid

/ˈpɪɹəmɪd/ (US) · /pˈɪɹɐmˌɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pyramid
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. ancient monument

noun · CEFR A2

a huge stone building with a square base and four triangular sides, used as a tomb in ancient Egypt.

For teachers: a monumental structure with a polygonal base and triangular sides meeting at an apex, specifically those constructed as royal tombs in ancient Egypt.

- Many tourists travel to Egypt every year to see the Great Pyramid of Giza.
- Archaeologists continue to debate the precise engineering methods used to transport the massive limestone blocks required for the pyramid's construction.

### 2. geometric shape

noun · CEFR B1

a solid shape with a flat base and sides that come to a point at the top.

For teachers: a polyhedron formed by connecting a polygonal base and a point, called the apex.

- The teacher asked the students to calculate the volume of a square pyramid.
- The glass entrance to the Louvre is a famous modern example of a perfect geometric pyramid.

### 3. hierarchical structure

noun · CEFR B2

a system or organization where there are many people at the bottom and only a few at the top.

For teachers: a hierarchical structure or system that resembles a pyramid in its distribution of members or power.

- In a large company, the management structure is often shaped like a pyramid.
- The social pyramid of the era placed the landed gentry at the narrow peak, supported by a vast base of agricultural labourers.

### 5. to stack or increase

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to build something up into the shape of a pyramid or to increase something quickly.

For teachers: to arrange or build up in a pyramidal form; in finance, to use paper profits from a position to increase the size of that position.

- The cheerleaders began to pyramid, standing on each other's shoulders.
- The investor attempted to pyramid his holdings as the stock price rose, significantly increasing his market exposure.

## Examples

- The Great Pyramid is a famous landmark in Egypt.
- Archaeologists are using new technology to look for hidden rooms inside the ancient stone pyramid.
- The architectural precision of the pyramid suggests a sophisticated understanding of geometry and celestial alignment among the ancient builders who designed it.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.