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Definition of zawiya
zawiya
/zɑːˈwiːə/
za · wi · ya
Plural:zawiyas
zawiya Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
13
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
An Islamic religious school, monastery, or lodge in North and West Africa, typically associated with a Sufi brotherhood and often built around the tomb of a saint.
Example
"Travelers crossing the desert often found shelter, food, and spiritual guidance at a local zawiya."
2
A major coastal city in northwestern Libya situated on the Mediterranean Sea west of Tripoli, serving as the capital of the Zawiya District and an important center for oil refining and agriculture.
Synonyms
View all synonyms for zawiya• Rhymes for zawiya
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Arabic 'zāwiya', literally meaning 'corner' or 'nook', in reference to the secluded corners of mosques where early Sufi ascetics and scholars gathered for prayer and study.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Zawiya. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/zawiya