mecca

noun

mec·​ca ˈme-kə 

variants often Mecca

: a place regarded as a center for a specified group, activity, or interest

a mecca for shoppers

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The Figurative Use of Mecca

Mecca is one of a number of place names which have taken on figurative meanings over time. This city in Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Muhammad and the site which Muslims must attempt to visit on a pilgrimage; from its role as a religious destination Mecca began to be used in the early 19th century (sometimes capitalized, and sometimes not) in a non-religious sense. Other locations (some of which are fictional) that have taken on this kind of extended meaning are Eden, Camelot, and Wall Street.

Synonyms of mecca

• center
• hub
• capital
• heart
• focus

Examples of mecca in a Sentence

The valley is a mecca for wine lovers.

The town has become a mecca for tourists.

Recent Examples on the Web

But for lovers of all things sweet and creamy, Cheesecake Funk is today a veritable mecca for those in the know. — David Farley, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, the region has emerged as a mecca for pro sports, with top basketball and hockey teams building elaborate practice facilities there. — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

Instead of meccas or meeting places for diehard fans, live sporting events try to position themselves as major cultural moments. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026

Becoming a sports mecca in the 21st century requires not just sports infrastructure and broader tourism capacity but attractions beyond the field to keep folks coming back. — Lev Akabas, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Mecca, Saudi Arabia, a destination of pilgrims in the Islamic world

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for mecca

• caeca
• cheka
• decca
• theca
• areca
• azteca
• spermatheca

Kids Definition

mecca

noun

mec·​ca ˈmek-ə 

often capitalized

: a place regarded as a center for a specified group, activity, or interest

a mecca for tourists

Etymology

named for Mecca, city in Arabia, the birthplace of Muhammad and the goal of Muslim pilgrimages

Geographical Definition

Mecca

geographical name

Mec·​ca ˈme-kə 

variants or Arabic Makkah

ˈmä-kə 

holy city in western Saudi Arabia

Note: Mecca is the chief pilgrimage destination for Muslims and the capital of Hejaz.

Meccan

ˈme-kən 

adjective or noun