a monumental structure with a square or triangular base and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top, especially one built of stone as a royal tomb in ancient Egypt, a shape or object that is wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, for example, a pyramid of boxes, a system or hierarchy in which people or things are arranged in layers, with the most important or powerful at the top

build a pyramid, pyramid of power, pyramid of needs

pyramid scheme, pyramid selling, pyramid of success

Formal and Informal Expressions of pyramid

In different contexts, you can replace 'pyramid' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'hierarchy, structure, monument' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'shape, thing' is a commonplace synonym.

pyramid: Explore its Definition & Usage

pyramid Definition

1a monumental structure with a square or triangular base and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top, especially one built of stone as a royal tomb in ancient Egypt
2a shape or object that is wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, for example, a pyramid of boxes
3a system or hierarchy in which people or things are arranged in layers, with the most important or powerful at the top

Using pyramid: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pyramid" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The Great Pyramid of Giza is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Example
The food pyramid is a guide to healthy eating.
Example
The company has a strict pyramid structure, with the CEO at the top and entry-level employees at the bottom.

pyramid Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for pyramid

Idioms Using pyramid

build a pyramid
to create a hierarchical structure or organization
Example
The CEO wants to build a pyramid that will streamline decision-making and increase efficiency.
pyramid of power
a hierarchy of authority in which power is concentrated at the top
Example
The monarchy was at the top of the pyramid of power in medieval Europe.
pyramid of needs
a theory of human motivation developed by psychologist Abraham Maslow, in which basic physiological needs form the foundation of a pyramid, with higher-level needs such as self-actualization at the top
Example
Maslow's pyramid of needs is still widely used in psychology and management.

Phrases with pyramid

pyramid scheme
a fraudulent investment scheme in which returns are paid to earlier investors using the capital contributed by newer investors
Example
The company was shut down for running a pyramid scheme.
pyramid selling
a sales technique in which a person recruits others to sell products, and the recruiter receives a percentage of the sales made by those they recruit
Example
Pyramid selling is illegal in some countries.
pyramid of success
a philosophy of success developed by basketball coach John Wooden, based on a set of values and behaviors that lead to personal and professional success
Example
John Wooden's Pyramid of Success is widely used in business and education.

Origins of pyramid

from Latin 'pyramis' and Greek 'puramis', meaning 'wheat cake'

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Summary: pyramid in Brief

A 'pyramid' [ˈpɪrəmɪd] is a monumental structure with a square or triangular base and sloping sides that meet in a point at the top, such as the Great Pyramid of Giza. It can also refer to a shape or object that is wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, like a pyramid of boxes. Additionally, it can denote a system or hierarchy in which people or things are arranged in layers, with the most important or powerful at the top, as in a company's pyramid structure.