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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
Samy Magdy, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2026
Our small group of seven guests was able to wander freely through ancient Greek buildings, tour a contemporary mosque, and learn more about how both the Ottoman and Roman Empires have left their marks on this part of the world.
—Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2026
Families typically attend their local mosque for a communal prayer before exchanging gifts and visiting friends and family.
—Mona Darwish, Oc Register, 14 May 2026
Badenoch has called for stronger enforcement, including deporting foreign preachers who are spreading hate in mosques and other institutions.
—Ariella Noveck, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for mosque
Cite this Entry
“Mosque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mosque. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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mosque
noun
