Mossoul
/mɒˈsuːl/noun
A French-established spelling of Mosul, a historic city in northern Iraq.
Did you know?The name comes from Arabic al-Mawṣil, traditionally interpreted as “the connecting point,” reflecting Mosul’s position on major trade routes between Anatolia, Mesopotamia, and Persia.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Arabic
Arabic
al-Mawṣil
“The place of connection, junction, or meeting”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
al-Mawṣil
“The city known as a regional crossroads and trading center”
Medieval Latin
Latin
Mausil
“Mosul, the city in northern Mesopotamia”
17th–19th Century
French
Mossoul
“French spelling of the city name”
Modern English
English
Mosul
“A major city in northern Iraq; “Mossoul” remains a French variant”