mihrab: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low FrequencyTechnical/Formal/Academic
Quick answer
What does “mihrab” mean?
A niche or decorative panel in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca (the qibla), towards which Muslims pray.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A niche or decorative panel in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca (the qibla), towards which Muslims pray.
In Islamic architecture, the mihrab is a focal point of mosque decoration, often highly ornamented with calligraphy, mosaics, or carved stone. It serves a liturgical function, marking the wall oriented towards the Kaaba. Figuratively, it can symbolize the spiritual direction or focus of a community.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. Both varieties use the same spelling and pronunciation. The word is equally specialized in both dialects.
Connotations
Purely technical and cultural. No divergent emotional or associative meanings between UK and US English.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both varieties, appearing primarily in contexts of art history, architecture, religious studies, or travel writing about Islamic regions.
Grammar
How to Use “mihrab” in a Sentence
The mihrab indicates [direction].The mihrab is decorated with [material/design].The mihrab is situated in the [location] wall.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mihrab” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
American English
- Not applicable as an adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Common in texts on Islamic art, architecture, archaeology, and religious studies. Example: 'The evolution of the mihrab's form reflects broader trends in Islamic decorative arts.'
Everyday
Very rare. Might appear in travel blogs or documentaries. Example: 'The guide pointed out the beautifully tiled mihrab.'
Technical
Essential term in architectural descriptions, conservation reports, and religious guides for mosques.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mihrab”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mihrab”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mihrab”
- Misspelling as 'mehrab', 'mihrap', or 'mirab'.
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'h' (/'mɪh.ræb/) instead of a long 'ee' sound.
- Using it to refer to any architectural niche, not specifically the one in a mosque indicating the qibla.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a loanword from Arabic (مِحْراب) that is fully naturalised in English, used in specific academic and cultural contexts.
Virtually all mosques built for communal prayer have a mihrab. Very early or extremely simple mosques might use other markers, but the mihrab is a standard architectural feature.
No. By definition, a mihrab must be set into the qibla wall—the wall facing the Kaaba in Mecca. Its location is functionally determined.
Typically, yes. The imam leads the prayer standing in front of the mihrab, aligning themselves and the congregation with the direction it signifies.
A niche or decorative panel in the wall of a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca (the qibla), towards which Muslims pray.
Mihrab is usually technical/formal/academic in register.
Mihrab: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmiːrɑːb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmirɑːb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None in common usage.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MIHrab points to Meccah. The 'MIH' can remind you of 'Mecca' and 'I' for 'Indicator'. It's in the wall to help you 'rah' (raw) find your prayer direction.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIRECTION IS PURPOSE (The physical direction towards Mecca metaphorically represents spiritual orientation and communal focus).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a mihrab?