mosque

noun

\ˈmäsk

\

Definition of mosque

: a building used for public worship by Muslims

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about mosque

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Did You Know?

Mosques were known to the English-speaking world long before we called them mosques. In the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, we used many different variations of the word - moseak, muskey, moschy, mos’keh, among others - until we finally hit on mosquee, emulating Middle French. The Middle French word had come by way of Italian and Old Spanish from the Arabic word for "temple," which is masjid. In the early 1700s, we settled on the present spelling, and mosque thus joined other English words related to Muslim worship: mihrab, for the special niche in a mosque that points towards Mecca; minaret, for the tall slender tower of a mosque; and muezzin, for the crier who, standing in the minaret, calls the hour of daily prayers.

Examples of mosque in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Three weeks after residents returned, a double suicide attack during early morning prayers at a mosque killed four people and injured seven. — New York Times, "A Homecoming for Nigerians Who Fled Militants. All That’s Missing Is the ‘Home.’," 10 July 2018 At least another 14 were killed after an explosion at a mosque in eastern Afghanistan on May 6, but the Taliban denied involvement. — Masoud Popalzai, CNN, "Taliban calls for ceasefire with Afghan forces during Eid," 9 June 2018 In the eastern Khost province, a drive-by shooting at a mosque on Wednesday killed four people and wounded 15. — NBC News, "Taliban meets to consider Afghan government cease-fire offer," 7 June 2018 Among the many mourners at a city mosque was the provincial governor. — Adil Jawad, chicagotribune.com, "Pakistani teen killed in Texas school shooting is buried in hometown," 23 May 2018 The funeral service was held at a Houston-area mosque Sunday. — CBS News, "Thousands attend service for exchange student killed in Santa Fe High School shooting," 20 May 2018 Services for 17-year-old Pakistani exchange student Sabika Sheikh were to take place at a mosque in suburban Houston. — Marie Simoneaux, NOLA.com, "Man shot and killed in Fairgrounds neighborhood Sunday: NOPD," 20 May 2018 Last month, a Missouri man pleaded guilty to hate crimes for threatening to behead and slaughter Muslims worshiping at a Georgia mosque. — Jeneé Osterheldt, kansascity, "In hijabs and Girl Scout vests, these Kansas Muslim girls make America great again | The Kansas City Star," 25 Apr. 2018 The video suggests Gonzales might have been armed, despite multiple signs prohibiting weapons at the mosque. — Maria Polletta, azcentral, "Women who snatched items from Tempe mosque indicted; 1 faces child-endangerment charges," 26 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'mosque.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

14 Oct 2018

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Time Traveler for mosque

The first known use of mosque was in 1585

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More Definitions for mosque

mosque

noun

English Language Learners Definition of mosque

: a building that is used for Muslim religious services

See the full definition for mosque in the English Language Learners Dictionary

mosque

noun

\ˈmäsk

\

Kids Definition of mosque

: a building in which Muslims worship

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exaggeratedly or childishly emotional

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