What does pentagram mean?
A pentagram is a five-pointed star made from five straight, intersecting lines, commonly inscribed within a circle. The figure has appeared in Greek, Roman, medieval Christian, Islamic, and various modern cultural contexts, although the meanings attributed to it differ considerably by tradition. In geometry it is a recognizable star polygon; in heraldry, art, and religious imagery it may serve as a decorative or symbolic design. In some modern occult practices, the pentagram is treated as a ritual sign, but such usage is distinct from simply describing the geometric shape. The word combines the Greek roots pente, meaning “five,” and gramma, meaning “letter” or “written mark,” reflecting the figure’s ancient history and its construction from written lines.
nounA five-pointed star formed by five straight lines, or by connecting five points of a regular pentagon. It is also used as a decorative, religious, or occult symbol.
- A five-pointed geometric star formed by five intersecting straight lines.
- A design based on the five-pointed star, used in heraldry, religion, and occult symbolism.
"The artist drew a pentagram at the center of the mural."
"The circle was divided by an inscribed pentagram."
"In the ceremony, the participants traced a pentagram on the floor."
The standard plural of pentagram is pentagrams.
"Several pentagrams appear in the stonework."
A pentagram packs five points into a single continuous figure, with each point capable of being drawn in one uninterrupted stroke.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pentagram come from?
The word pentagram was formed in English from Greek pente, meaning “five,” and gramma, meaning “letter” or “written mark.” Its underlying sense was a five-pointed figure made with lines or strokes. The word belongs to the same Greek-derived family as pentagon, pentameter, and pentathlon, all of which use pente to indicate the number five.
How pentagram is actually used
In general use, the term primarily denotes the geometric figure. References to occult, magical, or religious meanings are often more specific and may reflect a particular tradition or interpretation.
Easily confused with pentagram
A pentagram is the geometric five-pointed figure, while a pentacle is a star-like symbol used especially in occult and magical traditions.