Did you know?
Mosques were known to the English-speaking world long before we called them mosques. In the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, we used many different variations of the word—moseak, muskey, moschy, mos’keh, among others—until we finally hit on mosquee, emulating Middle French. The Middle French word had come by way of Italian and Old Spanish from the Arabic word for "temple," which is masjid. In the early 1700s, we settled on the present spelling, and mosque thus joined other English words related to Muslim worship: mihrab, for the special niche in a mosque that points towards Mecca; minaret, for the tall slender tower of a mosque; and muezzin, for the crier who, standing in the minaret, calls the hour of daily prayers.
Examples of mosque in a Sentence
Michael Cuglietta, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025
Surrounding the minaret are ancient ruins, mosques, and the famous Iron Pillar, which has mysteriously resisted rust for centuries.
—Shalbha Sarda, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025
At mosques over the weekend, Muslims began the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.
—Victoria Ivie, Orange County Register, 3 Mar. 2025
Meanwhile, South Florida Islamic centers and mosques are gearing up for the holiday by preparing for prayer services and making catering arrangements for ‘Iftar’ dinners — or the celebratory meal where Muslims break their daily fast.
—Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mosque
Cite this Entry
“Mosque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mosque. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
mosque
noun
Share