shushan: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Literary, Biblical, Historical, Poetic
Quick answer
What does “shushan” mean?
A proper noun referring to the ancient Persian city of Susa, now in modern-day Iran, famous in biblical texts, particularly in the Book of Esther.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A proper noun referring to the ancient Persian city of Susa, now in modern-day Iran, famous in biblical texts, particularly in the Book of Esther.
Can be used poetically or historically to evoke ancient Persia, the Achaemenid Empire, or settings from the biblical story of Esther. Sometimes used as a given name in some cultures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in usage or pronunciation. Both variants recognize it primarily as a biblical/historical reference.
Connotations
Connotes antiquity, the exotic East, biblical narrative, and imperial Persian grandeur.
Frequency
Equally rare in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “shushan” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (used alone)the city of [Shushan][Shushan] the capitalVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, theological, and literary studies referring to the ancient city.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in religious education or discussion.
Technical
Used in archaeology and ancient history to denote the specific site.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shushan”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shushan”
- Using it as a common noun (e.g., 'a shushan').
- Misspelling as 'Shushun' or 'Shoushan'.
- Incorrect pronunciation with /ʃʊ/ (like 'book') instead of /ʃuː/ (like 'shoe').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an English transliteration of a Hebrew place name, used in English primarily in biblical and historical contexts.
The events of the Book of Esther, which the holiday of Purim celebrates, took place in Shushan (Susa). 'Shushan Purim' is the name for the celebration of Purim on the 15th of Adar in cities that were walled in ancient times, like Shushan.
No. Despite the phonetic similarity to 'shush' (to urge silence), 'Shushan' is exclusively a proper noun with no verbal usage.
The ruins of Susa (Shushan) are located in modern-day Iran, near the city of Shush in the Khuzestan Province.
A proper noun referring to the ancient Persian city of Susa, now in modern-day Iran, famous in biblical texts, particularly in the Book of Esther.
Shushan is usually formal, literary, biblical, historical, poetic in register.
Shushan: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃuːʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃuːʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) distant as Shushan”
- “(a) modern-day Shushan (rare, poetic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SHUSH! ANcient city. Imagine someone saying 'Shush!' in the ruins of an ancient Persian city.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SHUSHAN is a distant, exotic, and historically significant place / A seat of ancient power and intrigue.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Shushan' primarily known as?