Mosque Meaning and Definition
Mosque
Pronunciation
/mɔːsk/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A building for Islamic worship, typically characterized by a dome, minaret, and decorative architecture.
Examples
- The group visited the historic mosque in Mecca.
- Local mosques provided aid to disaster victims.
Synonyms
- Imam
- Mosquedome
Antonyms
- Church
- Synagogue
Etymology
The word “mosque” comes from the Arabic word “masjid,” which means “place of prostration.” The term has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to Islamic places of worship.
Usage Notes
The word “mosque” is often capitalized, especially when referring to specific mosques or the Islamic faith. However, when used as a generic term or in non-religious contexts, it may be written in lowercase.
Cultural References
Mosques have appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and architecture. The iconic Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey, is a popular tourist destination.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Friday Mosque” – a common phrase used to describe a mosque visited on Fridays, the Islamic day of worship.
- “Mosque politics” – a phrase used to describe controversies or conflicts within a mosque or Islamic community.
Related Words or Phrases
- Imam
- Mosquedome
- Islamic
Collocations
- “Friday Mosque” and “Islamic community”
- “Mosque” and “Worship”
- “Imam” and “Mosque”
Frequency of Use
The word “mosque” is commonly used in news articles, academic writings, and poetry to describe Islamic places of worship. It is less frequently used in informal conversations or casual writing.
Common Misspellings
- Mosk
- Moske