alcazar

noun

al·​ca·​zar al-ˈkä-zər How to pronounce alcazar (audio) -ˈka- How to pronounce alcazar (audio)
: a Spanish fortress or palace

Illustration of alcazar

Illustration of alcazar

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Spanish alcázar, borrowed from Andalusian Arabic al-qaṣar, corresponding to classical Arabic al-qaṣr, from al "the" + qaṣr "castle, palace," probably borrowed from Aramaic qaṣtĕrā, borrowed from Late Greek kástra, plural of kástron "stronghold," borrowed from Latin castrum "fortified encampment" — more at castle entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1615, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alcazar was circa 1615

Dictionary Entries Near alcazar

Cite this Entry

“Alcazar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alcazar. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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