A menhir is a megalithic or simple construction formed by standing a single rock upright in the ground to form a clearly intentional construction. The rock may be carved into a basic shape, but if any further detail is given to its form then it is generally considered a sculpture or a statue. Menhirs are found in many parts of the world, and many of them date to prehistoric times.

The upright placement is intentional rather than a natural position of exposed rock. Basic shaping is compatible with the simple standing-stone form.

More developed carving can give the object a sculptural or statuary form. A column has the distinct base, shaft, and capital absent from the simple menhir.