hejaz: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very Low (C2/Proficiency)
UK/hɛˈdʒɑːz/US/hɛˈdʒɑːz/ or /hiːˈdʒæz/

Formal, Academic, Historical, Geographical

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Quick answer

What does “hejaz” mean?

A region in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Red Sea.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A region in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Red Sea.

The historical and cultural region in western Saudi Arabia, containing the Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina. It is the birthplace of Islam and historically a major trade and pilgrimage corridor.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in usage or spelling. Both varieties treat it as a proper noun with an initial capital.

Connotations

Historical, religious, geographical. Carries the same connotations in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally rare in both varieties, confined to specific academic or historical contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “hejaz” in a Sentence

[Proper Noun] (as subject/object of geographical/historical discussion)

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
the Hejaz regionthe mountains of Hejazthe Hejaz Railwaythe Kingdom of Hejaz
medium
in Hejazfrom Hejazto HejazHejaz and Nejd
weak
Hejaz cultureHejaz historytravel through Hejaz

Examples

Examples of “hejaz” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

adverb

British English

  • N/A

American English

  • N/A

adjective

British English

  • Hejazi culture is distinct.
  • The Hejazi coastline.

American English

  • Hejazi architecture.
  • A Hejazi dialect.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Virtually never used, except in rare contexts like historical trade discussions.

Academic

Common in history, religious studies, geography, and Middle Eastern studies papers.

Everyday

Extremely rare. Only used by individuals with specific interest/knowledge in the region.

Technical

Used in historical, archaeological, and geographical texts and maps.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “hejaz”

Strong

Hijaz (alternate transliteration)

Neutral

Western ArabiaHijaz

Weak

Arabian Peninsula (broader)

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “hejaz”

Nejd (central Arabian region)Eastern Province

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “hejaz”

  • Misspelling as "Hejazz", "Hegaz".
  • Using lowercase ('hejaz').
  • Confusing it with a common noun.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is a low-frequency proper noun used mainly in academic, historical, or geographical contexts related to the Middle East and Islam.

Common pronunciations are /hɛˈdʒɑːz/ (heh-JAHZ) and /hiːˈdʒæz/ (hee-JAZ). The first syllable rhymes with 'bed' or 'see', and the emphasis is on the second syllable.

Yes, the derived adjective is 'Hejazi' (e.g., Hejazi architecture, Hejawi dialect).

They are different transliterations of the same Arabic word (الـحِجَاز). 'Hejaz' is a common romanization in English, while 'Hijaz' reflects a more modern/academic transliteration system. They refer to the same place.

A region in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Red Sea.

Hejaz is usually formal, academic, historical, geographical in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • None (proper noun)

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: "HE Journeyed AZimuth" – the direction (azimuth) pilgrims historically journeyed to the holy cities in the Hejaz.

Conceptual Metaphor

A CORRIDOR OF FAITH (pathway for pilgrims), A CRADLE (birthplace of Islam).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The holy cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina, are located in the region of Saudi Arabia.
Multiple Choice

What is the Hejaz best known for?