Search Dictionary
Definition of albuquerque
albuquerque
/ˈæl.bəˌkɜːr.ki/
Al · bu · quer · que
albuquerque Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
5
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
• noun
1
American The largest city in the state of New Mexico, United States, situated in the high desert along the Rio Grande and renowned for its distinct blend of Native American and Hispanic cultures.
Example
"Every October, millions of visitors travel to Albuquerque to witness the International Balloon Fiesta."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Named in 1706 by Spanish colonial governor Francisco Cuervo y Valdés in honor of Francisco Fernández de la Cueva, the 10th Duke of Alburquerque, who was Viceroy of New Spain. Over time, the first 'r' was dropped from the spelling. The Spanish ducal title originated from a town in western Spain, whose name likely derives from Latin 'albus quercus' (white oak) or Arabic 'Abu al-Qurq' (land of the cork oak).
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Albuquerque. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/albuquerque