meknes: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (proper noun, geographically specific)Formal, Geographic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “meknes” mean?
A city in northern Morocco, known as one of the country's four imperial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A city in northern Morocco, known as one of the country's four imperial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Often used to refer to the historical and architectural heritage associated with the city, including its distinctive style of craftsmanship and urban design.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage; both refer to the Moroccan city.
Connotations
Connotes Moroccan history, imperial heritage, and UNESCO site status equally in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, appearing primarily in geographic, historical, or travel contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “meknes” in a Sentence
[verb] + Meknes (e.g., 'visit Meknes', 'explore Meknes')Meknes + [is/was] + [adjective/noun] (e.g., 'Meknes is fascinating', 'Meknes was a capital')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meknes” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Meknes-style tiles
- the Meknes medina
American English
- Meknes craftsmanship
- a Meknes rug
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in contexts like 'export of Meknes leather goods' or tourism.
Academic
Used in history, geography, architecture, and Islamic studies departments.
Everyday
In travel planning or discussions about Morocco.
Technical
In archaeology, urban planning, or heritage conservation literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meknes”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meknes”
- Pronouncing it /miːkˈniːz/ (Meek-neez).
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a meknes').
- Misspelling as 'Mekness' or 'Meknez'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is exclusively a proper noun, the name of a specific city.
Both are imperial cities, but Meknes is in the north and is particularly associated with Sultan Moulay Ismail and 17th-century fortifications, while Marrakesh is in the south and is older, known for its vibrant square and gardens.
Yes, in a limited, attributive sense to describe things originating from or characteristic of the city (e.g., 'Meknes ceramics').
It served as the capital of Morocco under the reign of Sultan Moulay Ismail (1672–1727), who built massive walls, gates, and infrastructure.
A city in northern Morocco, known as one of the country's four imperial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meknes is usually formal, geographic, historical in register.
Meknes: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛknɛs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛknɛs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Meek-ness' – but for a mighty imperial city.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TIME CAPSULE (representing preserved history); A CROWN JEWEL (one of the prized imperial cities).
Practice
Quiz
What is Meknes primarily known as?