alcazar

noun

al·​ca·​zar al-ˈkä-zər How to pronounce alcazar (audio) -ˈka- How to pronounce alcazar (audio)
: a Spanish fortress or palace

Illustration of alcazar

Illustration of alcazar

Examples of alcazar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The unique cultural makeup of Cádiz—with its famous Moorish alcazar, with its echoes of Arab-Andalusian culture playing alongside Spanish Catholic aesthetics—and its quiet way of life have been a steady guide for Judeline as she’s found her artistic voice and its visual direction. E.r. Pulgar, SPIN, 20 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish alcázar, borrowed from Andalusian Arabic al-qaṣar, corresponding to classical Arabic al-qaṣr, from al "the" + qaṣr "castle, palace," probably borrowed from Aramaic qaṣtĕrā, borrowed from Late Greek kástra, plural of kástron "stronghold," borrowed from Latin castrum "fortified encampment" — more at castle entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcazar was circa 1615

Dictionary Entries Near alcazar

Cite this Entry

“Alcazar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcazar. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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