Mecca
/ˈmɛk.ə/noun
A place regarded as the principal center for a particular activity, or the sacred city in western Saudi Arabia.
Did you know?In modern English, Mecca became a lower-case common noun meaning an exceptionally attractive center or destination, but the city’s Arabic name is Makkah.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Islamic Arabia
Arabic
Makkah
“The ancient place-name for the sanctuary city; its ultimate meaning is uncertain.”
7th Century
Qur'anic Arabic
Makkah
“The name used for the Arabian sanctuary city in the Qur'an.”
7th Century
Qur'anic Arabic
Bakkah
“An alternate Qur'anic name for the sacred sanctuary or its location; its relationship to Makkah is debated.”
Middle Ages
Latin
Maccha
“A Latinized form used in Christian and geographic writings for the Arabian holy city.”
16th Century
English
Mecca
“An English form of the city-name, transmitted through European forms such as Latin and French.”
19th Century
English
mecca
“A figurative noun for any place that attracts large numbers of people sharing an interest.”