Definition of MOSQUE

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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 New Zealand deserves an honourable mention for its response to a massacre in mosques by a white nationalist. — The Economist, "The Economist’s country of the year Which nation improved the most in 2019?," 18 Dec. 2019 In early July, Baghdadi made his first public appearance, delivering a sermon in a centuries-old mosque in the Iraqi city of Mosul and declaring himself caliph, or leader of the world’s Muslims. — BostonGlobe.com, "But he was an imposing figurehead, and his ability to elude the world’s most powerful intelligence services for so many years added to his mystique among his followers. He will be hard to replace.," 28 Oct. 2019 Funerals are being held in eastern Afghanistan for the victims of Friday’s deadly bomb blast in a village mosque which killed 62 people during prayers. — Rahim Faiez, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Afghan village buries its dead after mosque bombing kills 66," 19 Oct. 2019 The first Muslim presidential campaign manager, Shakir cited his interactions with voters in mosques around the country as evidence of the potential to expand the primary electorate. — Nicole Sganga, CBS News, "Sanders campaign manager: "It's absolutely critical we win New Hampshire"," 23 Aug. 2019 USA Today pointed out that the incident happened a week after a man in New Zealand who shot and killed 51 people in two mosques, and had flashed the same symbol in court after the shootings. — Richard Tribou, orlandosentinel.com, "Universal Orlando employee fired for flashing white power sign in family photo: report," 13 Aug. 2019 They were attributed to roadside bombs; attacks on convoys; snipers; insider attacks; friendly fire; and ambushes of soldiers or police who were on food runs, driving to work, in their homes, in bazaars, at weddings, in mosques or in clinics. — New York Times, "As U.S. Nears a Pullout Deal, Afghan Army Is on the Defensive," 12 Aug. 2019 Next month, 10 new laws will loosen restrictions on public gun possession in Texas, allowing guns in mosques, churches and school grounds. — Ashley Shaffer, USA TODAY, "New searing allegations against the Boy Scouts," 6 Aug. 2019 Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ardern banned assault weapons less than a week after a white supremacist opened fire in two mosques in New Zealand. — Tiffany Diane Tso, refinery29.com, "The Cosmic Connection Between Marianne Williamson & Jacinda Ardern," 28 June 2019

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.