moluccas: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Historical, Geographical
Quick answer
What does “moluccas” mean?
A group of islands in eastern Indonesia, historically known as the Spice Islands.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of islands in eastern Indonesia, historically known as the Spice Islands.
The region is famous for its historical role in the spice trade (especially nutmeg and cloves) and its biodiversity. In modern contexts, it may refer to the Indonesian provinces of Maluku and North Maluku.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term primarily in historical/geographical contexts.
Connotations
Connotes colonial history, the spice trade, and exoticism.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, encountered mainly in historical texts, geography, or travel writing.
Grammar
How to Use “moluccas” in a Sentence
[preposition *the*] Moluccasthe Moluccas [verb]the Moluccas [preposition]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “moluccas” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Moluccan birdlife is diverse.
- The Moluccan nutmeg trade was lucrative.
American English
- Moluccan spices were highly prized.
- The Moluccan archipelago has a complex history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in contexts related to spice trade, commodities, or tourism.
Academic
Common in history, geography, anthropology, and colonial studies texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be mentioned in travel documentaries or high-level trivia.
Technical
Used in cartography, historical linguistics, and biogeography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “moluccas”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “moluccas”
- Misspelling as 'Mollucas' or 'Molucas'.
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a molucca').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'Maluku' is the modern Indonesian name for the Moluccas.
They were the original, and for centuries the only, source of valuable spices like nutmeg, mace, and cloves.
It is a plural proper noun (like 'the Philippines'). We refer to 'the Moluccas are...' not 'the Moluccas is...'.
Primarily in history books, geography lessons, documentaries, and travel writing about Indonesia.
A group of islands in eastern Indonesia, historically known as the Spice Islands.
Moluccas is usually formal, historical, geographical in register.
Moluccas: in British English it is pronounced /məˈlʌkəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈlʌkəz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MOLUCCAS = Many Old Luscious Unusual Cloves, Cinnamon, And Spices.'
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MOLUCCAS ARE A TREASURE CHEST (source of valuable spices).
Practice
Quiz
What are the Moluccas best known for historically?