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

The rise in such incidents have put all levels of law enforcement agencies on high alert as federal authorities monitor threats and local officials bolster surveillance and security at mosques and synagogues. —Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

The prophet Muhammad reportedly adored the animals, which were allowed into mosques. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Nov. 2024

He was accused by Iran's judiciary of plotting a 2008 bombing at a mosque that left 14 dead and more than 200 wounded. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 29 Oct. 2024

Displaced families shelter outside the Mohammed Al-Amin mosque in downtown Beirut today. —Andrea Mitchell, NBC News, 3 Oct. 2024

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

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Kids Definition

mosque

noun

ˈmäsk 

: a Muslim place of worship