mosque
UK: mɒsk | US: mɑːsk
n. a Muslim place of worship
The word "mosque" entered English in the 14th century from Old French mosquee, which derived from Italian moschea. These forms trace back to Arabic masjid (place of prostration), via Spanish mezquita. The silent "-ue" ending reflects French influence, while the core "mosq-" preserves the phonetic approximation of the Arabic root s-j-d (to prostrate). The term's evolution mirrors the cultural transmission of Islamic architecture to Europe.
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul is famous for its blue tiles.
Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the mosque.
The local mosque hosts community meals during Ramadan.
The mosque's minaret towered over the city skyline.
She studied the geometric patterns in the mosque's architecture.