mosque

noun

ˈmäsk

: a building used for public worship by Muslims

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

Recent Examples on the Web

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After the meal, Sammy, 18, planned to go with friends to the local mosque for evening prayers and then the Windermere High School soccer player was off to a local soccer facility. —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

Word History

Etymology

earlier mosquee, from Middle French, from Old Italian moschea, from Old Spanish mezquita, from Arabic masjid temple, from sajada to prostrate oneself, worship

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of mosque was in 1585

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