Nadwa
/ˈnæd.wə/noun
An Arabic term for a council, assembly, or symposium, also used in English transliteration.
Did you know?In pre-Islamic Mecca, the Dar al-Nadwa was a council house traditionally associated with Quraysh leadership and major political deliberations.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Arabic
Arabic
نَدْوَة (nadwa)
“A council, assembly, or gathering for discussion.”
Pre-Islamic Arabia
Arabic
Dār al-Nadwa
“The “House of the Council,” a gathering place associated with Quraysh leadership in Mecca.”
7th Century
Arabic
نَدْوَة (nadwa)
“A formal assembly or council, continuing in Arabic usage during the early Islamic period.”
19th–20th Century
Arabic/English
nadwa
“Used in transliteration for an Arabic symposium, seminar, or intellectual gathering.”
Modern English
English
nadwa
“A loanword or transliterated Arabic term for a council, symposium, or discussion forum.”
Explore more surprising origins