mecca: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Semi-formal, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “mecca” mean?
A proper noun: the holiest city in Islam, located in Saudi Arabia, which Muslims face during prayer and aspire to visit on pilgrimage (Hajj).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun: the holiest city in Islam, located in Saudi Arabia, which Muslims face during prayer and aspire to visit on pilgrimage (Hajj).
A common noun: any place that attracts a large number of people with a particular interest or from a particular group; a centre of activity that people are drawn to.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling remains the same. Slightly more frequent in journalistic/prose contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical strong connotations of being a focal point, hub, or ultimate destination.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “mecca” in a Sentence
[Place] is a mecca for [group/activity][Place] has become a mecca for [group/activity]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"Silicon Valley remains a mecca for tech entrepreneurs seeking venture capital."
Academic
"The archive became a mecca for scholars researching medieval manuscripts."
Everyday
"That new shopping centre is a mecca for teenagers at the weekend."
Technical
Rare; primarily human geography/sociology: "The city's transformation into a cultural mecca was documented in the study."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mecca”
- Capitalising when used as a common noun (e.g., 'a Mecca for shoppers' is less standard).
- Using 'the' instead of 'a' when not referring to the city (e.g., 'It is the mecca for artists' is less common than 'a mecca').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, no. The capital 'M' is reserved for the holy city in Saudi Arabia. The metaphorical use is usually lowercase: 'a mecca for shoppers'.
No, it is not standard. 'Mecca' refers specifically to a place or location that acts as a focal point.
While the term originates from a holy site, its metaphorical use is widespread and generally not considered offensive in secular contexts. However, sensitivity is advised in interfaith discussions.
The pattern is '[Place] is/has become a mecca for [type of people or activity]'. For example: 'The library is a mecca for researchers.'
A proper noun: the holiest city in Islam, located in Saudi Arabia, which Muslims face during prayer and aspire to visit on pilgrimage (Hajj).
Mecca is usually formal, semi-formal, journalistic in register.
Mecca: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛk.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛk.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(no specific idioms, the word itself is metaphorically used)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MECCA-nism that attracts people - a place that works like a magnet to pull in crowds.
Conceptual Metaphor
A DESIRED PLACE IS A HOLY CITY. (Attraction is pilgrimage, enthusiasts are pilgrims).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'mecca' used correctly in its extended, metaphorical sense?