morocco: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal (geographic/political reference); Technical/Specialized (material reference in publishing, fashion, design).
Quick answer
What does “morocco” mean?
A country in North-West Africa.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A country in North-West Africa; a fine, flexible leather originally made from goatskin in Morocco, often dyed red.
Can refer to the country's culture, history, or products. As a material, any leather finished to resemble the original Moroccan goatskin, used in bookbinding, luxury goods, and upholstery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'Morocco' for the country. The leather 'morocco' is a standard term in bookbinding and leatherwork in both regions.
Connotations
Geographic: exotic, historic, cultural. Material: luxury, quality, durability, traditional craftsmanship.
Frequency
The country name is common. The leather term is low-frequency, used in specific professional/artisanal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “morocco” in a Sentence
[Country] is/are from Morocco.The [book/portfolio] is bound in (red) morocco.This is genuine/goatskin morocco.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “morocco” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The Moroccan government issued a statement.
- She bought a beautiful Moroccan rug.
American English
- The Moroccan embassy is downtown.
- We ate at a Moroccan restaurant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In luxury goods, publishing, or antiques: 'The limited edition was bound in full morocco.'
Academic
In geography, politics, history: 'The treaty shaped relations with Morocco.'
Everyday
Primarily geographic: 'We're planning a holiday in Morocco.'
Technical
In bookbinding/leatherwork: 'The spine was repaired with a matching piece of morocco.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “morocco”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “morocco”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “morocco”
- Capitalising 'morocco' when referring to the leather (usually uncapitalised). Confusing 'Moroccan' (adj. for country) with 'morocco' (the leather noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Morocco' (the country) is always capitalised. 'morocco' (the leather) is usually not capitalised in modern usage.
'Moroccan' is an adjective relating to the country Morocco (e.g., Moroccan culture). 'morocco' is primarily a noun for the leather or, capitalised, the country itself.
Historically, yes, but today 'morocco' refers more to a style and quality of leather finishing that can be produced elsewhere, though some authentic production continues.
No, it is a specific term for a type of goatskin leather. A leather bag from Morocco is not automatically 'morocco' leather; it must be of that specific, traditionally tanned and dyed type.
A country in North-West Africa.
Morocco is usually formal (geographic/political reference); technical/specialized (material reference in publishing, fashion, design). in register.
Morocco: in British English it is pronounced /məˈrɒk.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈrɑː.koʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with 'morocco' as a key component]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOROCCAN market (the country) selling beautiful red MOROCCO leather bags (the material).
Conceptual Metaphor
MOROCCO (LEATHER) IS LUXURY/QUALITY. MOROCCO (COUNTRY) IS AN EXOTIC GATEWAY.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'morocco' typically NOT capitalised?