Definition

Proper noun 1. A specific ancient Egyptian pyramid: The Great Pyramid refers to the largest and most famous of the pyramids located at Giza, near Cairo, Egypt. It was built as a tomb for the Pharaoh Khufu (also known as Cheops) around 2580–2560 BC and is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Usage

• The term Great Pyramid is a proper noun used as the specific name for the Pyramid of Khufu. It is always capitalized.
• It is used to distinguish this particular pyramid from the other pyramids at Giza or elsewhere in Egypt.

Examples

• As a subject:
  • The Great Pyramid was the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years.
• As an object:
  • Many tourists travel to Egypt to see the Great Pyramid.
• With a possessive or descriptive phrase:
  • The construction techniques of the Great Pyramid remain a topic of debate.
  • The Great Pyramid of Giza is an iconic symbol of ancient engineering.

Advanced Usage

• "The Great Pyramid" often implicitly means the Great Pyramid of Giza (the Pyramid of Khufu). When further specification is needed, the location "of Giza" is added.
• In historical or archaeological contexts, it is synonymous with "the Pyramid of Khufu" or "Cheops's Pyramid."

Variants and Related Words

• Pyramid of Khufu: The formal archaeological name for the Great Pyramid.
• Pyramid of Cheops: An alternative name using the Greek form of Pharaoh Khufu's name.
• Giza pyramid complex: The group of pyramids, including the Great Pyramid, on the Giza Plateau.
• pyramid (noun): A monumental structure with a square or triangular base and sloping sides that meet at a point, especially one built of stone as a royal tomb in ancient Egypt.

Synonyms

• The Pyramid of Khufu
• Cheops's Pyramid

Related Phrases and Terms

• Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: The Great Pyramid is the only one of these wonders still largely intact.
• Giza Necropolis: The archaeological site on the Giza Plateau encompassing the pyramids and the Great Sphinx.
• King's Chamber: The main burial chamber inside the Great Pyramid.

Noun

1. a massive monument with a square base and four triangular sides; begun by Cheops around 2700 BC as royal tombs in ancient Egypt