casablanca: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (as a proper noun/place name). Very Low (in other contexts).Formal/Neutral (geography). Informal/Cultural (film reference).
Quick answer
What does “casablanca” mean?
The largest city in Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The largest city in Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast.
Can refer to the 1942 classic Hollywood film starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, which is set in the city during World War II. By association, it evokes themes of romance, sacrifice, wartime intrigue, and nostalgia.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No linguistic differences in the word itself. The film is equally iconic in both cultures.
Connotations
Identical strong cultural connotations linked to the film.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slightly higher in US media due to Hollywood.
Grammar
How to Use “casablanca” in a Sentence
[be/live] in Casablanca[travel/fly] to Casablanca[set/filmed] in Casablancathe [city/port/film] CasablancaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “casablanca” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- A Casablanca-style intrigue.
American English
- A Casablanca-esque romance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the city as a commercial hub in North Africa.
Academic
Appears in geography, urban studies, film history, and cultural studies.
Everyday
Used in travel contexts or as a cultural reference to the film.
Technical
Not used in technical fields outside of specific geographical/GIS contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “casablanca”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “casablanca”
- Misspelling as 'Cassablanca' or 'Casa Blanca' (as separate words when referring to the city).
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a casablanca') instead of a proper noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is Spanish for 'white house' ('casa' = house, 'blanca' = white).
No, it is the largest city, but the capital is Rabat.
Only in a very specific, allusive way, e.g., 'a Casablanca-like farewell' to evoke the film's mood. It is not a standard adjective.
It is renowned for its screenplay, performances, iconic quotes, and its portrayal of love, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity set against the backdrop of World War II.
The largest city in Morocco, located on the Atlantic coast.
Casablanca is usually formal/neutral (geography). informal/cultural (film reference). in register.
Casablanca: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkæs.əˈblæŋ.kə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkæs.əˈblæŋ.kə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Here's looking at you, kid." (iconic quote from the film Casablanca, not containing the word itself)”
- “"Play it again, Sam." (misquoted iconic line from the film)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a white house ("casa blanca" means "white house" in Spanish) in Morocco that became the setting for a famous black-and-white film.
Conceptual Metaphor
Casablanca (the film) as a metaphor for a bittersweet, nostalgic love story or a place of moral ambiguity and difficult choices.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cultural association of the word 'Casablanca' in English-speaking countries?