chichen itza: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Historical, Travel/Tourism
Quick answer
What does “chichen itza” mean?
A large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Maya civilization, located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Maya civilization, located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, famous for its step-pyramid El Castillo (Temple of Kukulcán) and as a major focal point of Mayan political and economic power in the northern Maya lowlands from the Late Classic to Early Postclassic periods.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Both varieties treat it as a proper noun for the archaeological site.
Connotations
Connotes ancient history, archaeology, tourism, and world heritage in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, appearing primarily in historical, academic, or travel contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chichen itza” in a Sentence
[Subject] visited Chichen Itza.Chichen Itza is [verb, e.g., situated, known, recognized] as...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chichen itza” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tour group will Chichen-Itza the Yucatán next week. (Note: This is highly non-standard and illustrative of the word not being used as a verb.)
American English
- You can't just 'Chichen Itza' a location into a tourist destination. (Note: This is highly non-standard and illustrative of the word not being used as a verb.)
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The Chichen Itza ruins are spectacular. (Attributive noun use)
American English
- We studied Chichen Itza architecture. (Attributive noun use)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism, travel agency, or cultural heritage management contexts.
Academic
Common in archaeology, anthropology, history, and Latin American studies.
Everyday
Used in travel discussions, general knowledge quizzes, or documentaries.
Technical
Used in archaeology, historiography, and architectural history with precise references to its structures and chronology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chichen itza”
- Misspelling as 'Chichen Itza' (missing 'h'), 'Chichen Itzá' (using Spanish accent mark is optional in English), or 'Chicken Itza'. Incorrect capitalization, e.g., 'chichen itza'. Treating it as a common noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is derived from Mayan, often translated as 'At the mouth of the well of the Itza,' referring to the Itza people and nearby sacred sinkholes (cenotes).
It is an archaeological site that was a major city. The step-pyramid 'El Castillo' (Temple of Kukulcán) is its most famous single structure.
As of recent years, to preserve the monument, climbing the main pyramid (El Castillo) is generally prohibited for tourists.
It is famous for its well-preserved and architecturally significant ruins, its astronomical alignments (especially during equinoxes), and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
A large pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Maya civilization, located in the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico.
Chichen itza is usually formal, academic, historical, travel/tourism in register.
Chichen itza: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃiːtʃen iːtˈsɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃiːˈtʃen iːtˈsɑː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; used literally.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHICKEN EATS a' lot of history at CHICHEN ITZA.' (Phonetic link to pronunciation /tʃiːtʃen iːtˈsɑː/).
Conceptual Metaphor
A STONE LIBRARY (holding historical knowledge), A BRIDGE TO THE PAST.
Practice
Quiz
Chichen Itza is primarily associated with which ancient civilization?