zocalo

noun

zo·​ca·​lo ˈzō-kə-ˌlō 

plural zocalos

: the public square of a Mexican city or town : plaza

Examples of zocalo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The zocalo could be home to markets, festivals and other events, according to the plan, which states the space would be lush with LED lighting and music. —Katrease Stafford, Detroit Free Press, 23 May 2018

But the pulsating heart of it all was Mexico City’s central plaza, or zocalo, where tens of thousands gathered to watch Saturday’s World Cup match between Mexico and South Korea. —Patrick J. McDonnell, latimes.com, 24 June 2018

Many at the zocalo donned the green, red and white of the Mexican side, El Tri. —Patrick J. McDonnell, latimes.com, 24 June 2018

The Free Press reported in May that a splash pad, a zocalo — or traditional Mexican public space — and other amenities are coming to the popular Clark Park in southwest Detroit, as part of a greater transformation of the West Vernor corridor. —Katrease Stafford, Detroit Free Press, 28 June 2018

The zocalo seemed to cheer, groan and hold its collective breath like a single massive organism as each side had its chances in the opening moments. —Patrick J. McDonnell, latimes.com, 24 June 2018

Last week, the City of Detroit announced new amenities coming to Clark Park — a splash pad, a zocalo (or traditional Mexican public space) and other amenities — as part of a greater investment in the West Vernor corridor. —Allie Gross, Detroit Free Press, 29 May 2018

In southwest Detroit, the zocalo and splash park were suggestions that came directly from residents, city officials said. —Katrease Stafford, Detroit Free Press, 23 May 2018

Word History

Etymology

Mexican Spanish, from el Zócalo, public square in Mexico City, from Spanish zócalo socle, plinth, from Italian zoccolo; from the plinth of an unfinished monument in Mexico City's main square — more at socle

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above