# Medina

/məˈdaɪnə/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/medina
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the old, central part of a city in North Africa or the Middle East. It usually has narrow streets and high walls.

For teachers: the historic quarter of a North African or Middle Eastern city, typically walled and characterised by a dense labyrinth of narrow streets.

## Examples

- We spent the afternoon walking through the medina.
- The medina in Marrakesh is famous for its vibrant markets and traditional architecture.
- Preservationists argue that the medina represents a unique urban fabric where residential and commercial spaces have coexisted for centuries within a defensive perimeter.

## Usage notes

- Often capitalised when referring to a specific district, but remains lowercase as a general term for this urban form.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.