ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mecca

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈmɛkə// UK //mˈɛkɐ// mec·ca Vulgar

n. a place that many people want to visit because it is famous for a specific activity or interest. It is often used to describe a city or shop that is the best of its kind.

n. a place regarded as a center for a specified group, activity, or interest. When used in this secular sense, it is frequently written with a lowercase 'm' and functions as a destination for enthusiasts.


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.

Origin

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

Usage

Often followed by the preposition 'for' to specify the group or activity.

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