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Definition of Mecca in English:

Mecca

Pronunciation /ˈmekə/ /ˈmɛkə/

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proper noun

  • A city in western Saudi Arabia, an oasis town in the Red Sea region of Hejaz, east of Jiddah, considered by Muslims to be the holiest city of Islam; population 1,385,000 (est. 2007). The birthplace in AD 570 of the prophet Muhammad, it was the scene of his early teachings before his emigration to Medina in 622 (the Hegira). On Muhammad's return to Mecca in 630 it became the center of the new Muslim faith.

    Arabic name Makkah

noun

  • A place that attracts people of a particular group or with a particular interest.

    ‘Holland is a Mecca for jazz enthusiasts’
    • ‘Once regarded as a Mecca of tourism, the number of visitors coming to Ireland is falling steadily.’
    • ‘The shop was a Mecca for women who wanted not only books but advice.’
    • ‘The diving is always spectacular because it has also become a Mecca for the wildlife of the Celebes Sea.’
    • ‘Visions of Toronto as a national Mecca for the downtrodden spring to some minds.’