Mecca: meaning, definitions and examples

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mecca

[ ˈmɛkə ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious site

Mecca is a city in Saudi Arabia that is regarded as the holiest city in Islam. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, which Muslims turn towards during prayer. Every year, millions of Muslims visit Mecca during the Hajj pilgrimage, which is a religious obligation for all able Muslims.

Examples of usage

Every Muslim dreams of visiting Mecca.
The pilgrimage to Mecca, known as Hajj, is an essential part of Islamic faith.
In Mecca, you can find the Kaaba, the center of Muslim worship.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

cultural center

Mecca can also refer to a place that attracts a large number of people, particularly those with a common interest. This usage is often metaphorical and reflects the importance of the location as a gathering point for specific activities or beliefs.

Examples of usage

The tech conference became a Mecca for innovators and entrepreneurs.
This city is a Mecca for art lovers, with galleries and museums everywhere.
The bookstore has become a Mecca for local writers.

Translations

Translations of the word "mecca" in other languages:

🇵🇹 Meca

🇮🇳 मक्का

🇩🇪 Mekka

🇮🇩 Mekah

🇺🇦 Мекка

🇵🇱 Mekka

🇯🇵 メッカ

🇫🇷 La Mecque

🇪🇸 La Meca

🇹🇷 Mekke

🇰🇷 메카

🇸🇦 مكة

🇨🇿 Mekka

🇸🇰 Mekka

🇨🇳 麦加

🇸🇮 Meka

🇮🇸 Mekka

🇰🇿 Мекке

🇬🇪 მეკა

🇦🇿 Məkkə

🇲🇽 La Meca

Etymology

The name 'Mecca' is thought to derive from the Arabic word 'Bakka', which appears in the Quran and refers to the same city. The etymology is uncertain, but it is believed that 'Mecca' may have historical roots tracing back to pre-Islamic times, possibly linked to ancient trade routes. Over the centuries, Mecca has evolved from a modest town into a global city of immense religious significance, attracting devotees from around the world. The city has been a focal point of Islamic culture since the 7th century when it became the birthplace of Muhammad and the setting where he received divine revelations. As a result, it is seen as the spiritual epicenter of the Muslim faith.