mashhad: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareFormal / Geographic / Religious
Quick answer
What does “mashhad” mean?
The capital city of Razavi Khorasan Province in northeastern Iran, known as a major religious and cultural centre.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The capital city of Razavi Khorasan Province in northeastern Iran, known as a major religious and cultural centre.
A significant holy city for Shia Muslims, as the location of the Imam Reza shrine; by extension, a site of pilgrimage.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage; it is a proper place name.
Connotations
Both varieties primarily associate it with geography and religion.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, appearing mainly in geographic, historical, or religious contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mashhad” in a Sentence
[Pilgrims] travel to Mashhad.Mashhad is known for [its shrine].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mashhad” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Mashhad carpets are highly prized.
- They followed Mashhad traditions.
American English
- Mashhad rugs are valuable.
- The Mashhad community celebrated.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in trade or tourism contexts: 'The company expanded its operations to Mashhad.'
Academic
Used in geography, religious studies, and Middle Eastern history: 'The architectural development of Mashhad reflects its religious significance.'
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation, unless discussing travel or religion: 'My aunt is on a pilgrimage to Mashhad.'
Technical
Appears in cartography and geopolitical analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mashhad”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mashhad”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mashhad”
- Misspelling as 'Mashad', 'Meshhad', or 'Mashhed'.
- Using incorrect definite article ('the Mashhad' is generally incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard English spelling is 'Mashhad' with two 'h's.
The vast majority visit for religious pilgrimage to the Imam Reza shrine.
No, in English it functions exclusively as a proper noun (place name).
The main vowel in the second syllable differs: British /æ/ vs. American /ɑː/.
The capital city of Razavi Khorasan Province in northeastern Iran, known as a major religious and cultural centre.
Mashhad is usually formal / geographic / religious in register.
Mashhad: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmæʃˈhæd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmɑːʃˈhɑːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Mash-HAD: Imagine a chef MASHing ingredients for a feast they HAD prepared for pilgrims.
Conceptual Metaphor
CITY AS A MAGNET (for pilgrims).
Practice
Quiz
What is Mashhad primarily known as?