moroccan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

B2
UK/məˈrɒkən/US/məˈrɑːkən/

Neutral to Formal

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Quick answer

What does “moroccan” mean?

Of or relating to Morocco, its people, its culture, or its products.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Of or relating to Morocco, its people, its culture, or its products.

Characteristic of the styles, materials (like leather), cuisine, or design aesthetics originating from Morocco.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Usage is identical.

Connotations

Both associate it with North African culture, cuisine, and crafts.

Frequency

Similar frequency in both dialects, slightly more common in contexts discussing travel, cuisine, or interior design.

Grammar

How to Use “moroccan” in a Sentence

[Noun] of Moroccan origin[Verb] + in a Moroccan styleAuthentically Moroccan [Noun]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
Moroccan leatherMoroccan cuisineMoroccan coastMoroccan government
medium
Moroccan styleMoroccan rugMoroccan spicesMoroccan city
weak
Moroccan sunMoroccan experienceMoroccan influenceMoroccan visit

Examples

Examples of “moroccan” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • We bought a beautiful Moroccan lamp from the souk in Marrakech.
  • She specialises in Moroccan political history.

American English

  • They served a traditional Moroccan tagine for dinner.
  • The hotel had a distinct Moroccan vibe with its arched doorways.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Referring to trade, imports (e.g., Moroccan textiles), or market analysis.

Academic

In geographical, anthropological, or cultural studies contexts.

Everyday

Discussing food, travel destinations, home decor, or people.

Technical

In geology (e.g., Moroccan fossils) or specific craft terminology (e.g., Moroccan binding).

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “moroccan”

Weak

Arabic-speakingMediterranean

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “moroccan”

non-MoroccanforeignEuropean

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “moroccan”

  • Capitalization error: using lowercase when it derives from a proper noun (Morocco). Correct: 'Moroccan'.
  • Spelling: 'Morrocan' (double r) or 'Morocan' (missing c).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, because it is derived from the proper noun 'Morocco'.

A Moroccan (plural: Moroccans).

Yes, primarily to refer to a person (e.g., 'He is a Moroccan'), but not typically for objects (use 'Moroccan [object]' instead).

'Arabic' broadly relates to the language, culture, and peoples of the Arab world. 'Moroccan' is specifically national/cultural, pertaining to Morocco. Note: Morocco is an Arab country, but it also has strong Berber/Amazigh influences.

Of or relating to Morocco, its people, its culture, or its products.

Moroccan is usually neutral to formal in register.

Moroccan: in British English it is pronounced /məˈrɒkən/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈrɑːkən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • A Moroccan carpet (informal, rare: implying a complex or intricate situation)

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a man in a 'ROBE' from Morocco => mo-ROB(e)-can -> moroccan.

Conceptual Metaphor

MOROCCAN IS COMPLEX PATTERN (reflecting intricate design common in art/craft).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The leather pouffe was the centrepiece of the bohemian-style lounge.
Multiple Choice

In which context is 'Moroccan' LEAST likely to be used accurately?

Practise

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Five interactive tools to remember words, train your ear, and build vocabulary in real context — drawn from this dictionary.

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