holy land: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Religious, formal, journalistic, historical
Quick answer
What does “holy land” mean?
The region of Palestine, particularly Judaea, regarded by Jews, Christians, and Muslims as the geographical center of their faith.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The region of Palestine, particularly Judaea, regarded by Jews, Christians, and Muslims as the geographical center of their faith.
Any place of deep spiritual significance to a particular religion or group; a region considered sacred or hallowed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or spelling. American media may use the term more frequently in political/geopolitical contexts alongside 'Israel' or 'Palestine'.
Connotations
Carries strong religious and historical connotations equally in both varieties. Can also imply pilgrimage, conflict, or spiritual yearning.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, predominantly found in religious, historical, and news discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “holy land” in a Sentence
[Pilgrims/They] + [verb of motion] + to + the Holy LandThe Holy Land + [is/remains] + [adjective e.g., sacred, contested]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holy land” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To 'holy-land' is not a standard verb.
American English
- To 'holy-land' is not a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used adverbially.
American English
- Not used adverbially.
adjective
British English
- The holy-land sites are carefully preserved.
- A holy-land experience.
American English
- Holy Land tourism is a significant industry.
- A Holy Land tour package.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Possibly in niche tourism: 'We specialize in Holy Land tours.'
Academic
Used in theology, history, archaeology, and Middle Eastern studies.
Everyday
Used in religious discussion or when referencing travel or news from the region.
Technical
Used in cartography and historical geography as a specific toponym.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holy land”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holy land”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holy land”
- Writing 'holy land' in lower case when referring specifically to Palestine/Israel (requires capitals).
- Using it without 'the' definite article when used as a proper noun: 'They visited Holy Land' (incorrect) vs. 'They visited the Holy Land' (correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring specifically to the region of Palestine/Israel, it is a proper noun and should be capitalized as 'the Holy Land'. The metaphorical use ('the holy land of jazz') is often not capitalized.
They are often used synonymously. 'Holy Land' emphasises sacredness and historical religious events. 'Promised Land' specifically references God's promise of the land to Abraham and his descendants, carrying a stronger connotation of fulfilment and destiny.
Yes, but it will still carry metaphorical weight. For example, 'Hollywood is the holy land of cinema' uses the term to mean a revered centre of the industry.
Roughly corresponding to modern-day Israel, the Palestinian Territories, western Jordan, and parts of southern Lebanon and Syria.
The region of Palestine, particularly Judaea, regarded by Jews, Christians, and Muslims as the geographical center of their faith.
Holy land is usually religious, formal, journalistic, historical in register.
Holy land: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhəʊli ˈlænd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhoʊli ˈlænd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a holy land of [e.g., technology] (metaphorical use)”
- “seek one's holy land”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HOLY LAND: Hold On, Let's Yearn – Lands Ancestral, Never Denied. (A phrase connecting to pilgrimage and ancestral promise.)
Conceptual Metaphor
THE HOLY LAND IS A CENTRE / A PROMISE FULFILLED. Used metaphorically: 'Silicon Valley is the holy land for tech entrepreneurs.'
Practice
Quiz
In its extended, metaphorical sense, 'a holy land' can refer to: