mecca
mecca Lexical Profile
mecca Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A major city in western Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the holiest city in Islam, serving as the focal point of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
A place that attracts a large number of people, especially those who share a particular interest, passion, or pursuit.
"During the summer months, the coastal town transforms into a mecca for surfers and outdoor enthusiasts."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to the holy city in Saudi Arabia, it is strictly capitalized as 'Mecca' (or 'Makkah'). When used metaphorically to describe a place that draws many visitors (e.g., 'a shopper's mecca'), it is frequently lowercased.
• Rhymes for mecca
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Arabic 'Makkah' (مكة), the holiest city of Islam. It entered English in the mid-19th century as a generic metaphorical term for any place that attracts many people.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.