English Reference

Word

mecca

Phoneticsmec·ca

US/ˈmɛkə/

UK/mˈɛkɐ/

Definition

n. the holiest city in the religion of Islam, located in Saudi Arabia.

n. the city in Saudi Arabia that is the birthplace of Muhammad and the holiest city in Islam, to which Muslims make a pilgrimage.

Examples

“The city is a mecca for food lovers.”

“During the summer months, the coastal town becomes a mecca for surfers looking for the perfect wave.”

“Silicon Valley remains a global mecca for software engineers, attracting the most ambitious minds in the industry with the promise of venture capital and high-stakes innovation.”

Examples

simple

“The city is a mecca for food lovers.”

contextual

“During the summer months, the coastal town becomes a mecca for surfers looking for the perfect wave.”

complex

“Silicon Valley remains a global mecca for software engineers, attracting the most ambitious minds in the industry with the promise of venture capital and high-stakes innovation.”

Etymology

From Arabic مَكَّة (Makka) of uncertain etymology. In American place names, in reference to the Arabian city.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Synonyms

Makkah

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

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English Reference