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Definition of basra
basra
/ˈbɑːs.rə/
Bas · ra
Adjective:Basran
basra Lexical Profile
CEFR
B2
Grade
8
Tier
3
Usage
Top 10k
• noun
1
A major port city in southern Iraq, located on the Shatt al-Arab river near the Persian Gulf, known historically for its vital role in Middle Eastern trade and commerce.
Example
"Historically a bustling center of trade, Basra serves as Iraq's main port and remains a crucial hub for the country's oil industry."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From the Arabic البصرة (al-Baṣrah). The exact etymology is disputed, though it is often thought to refer to 'the over-watching' (a strategic watchpost) or to the rough stones/pebbles characteristic of the local terrain.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Basra. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/basra