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.
"Millions of devoted Muslims travel to Mecca each year to fulfill their religious obligations."
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
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.