Aqaba

American  

[ah-kuh-buh, ak-uh-] / ˈɑ kə bə, ˈæk ə- /

Also Akaba

noun

1. a seaport in southwestern Jordan, at the northern end of the Gulf of Aqaba.

2. Gulf of Aqaba, an arm of the Red Sea, between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. 100 miles (160 km) long.

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Aqaba British  

/ ˈækəbə /

noun

1. the only port in Jordan, in the southwest, on the Gulf of Aqaba . Pop: 80 790 (2004)

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Etymology

Origin of Aqaba

First recorded in 1905–10; from Arabic; shortening of al-ʿaqabat Aylah “the mountain pass of Aylah”

Example Sentences

After its initial appearance in Jordan, the outbreak tore south down the Gulf of Aqaba into the Red Sea and beyond, reaching Oman by April 2023.

From Science Magazine • May 28, 2024

The Egyptian state news media reported that its forces had shot down a drone off the coast of Dahab, a beach town on the Gulf of Aqaba roughly 90 miles south of Eilat.

From New York Times • Dec. 16, 2023

It said its forces arrested two suspects in the town of Aqaba near Tubas, without specifying whether they were the wanted militants in the besieged building.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 1, 2023

New surveys show a 90% reduction in the Jordanian resort of Aqaba, mass disappearances in Egypt and losses in Saudi Arabia, thought to be caused by a waterborne parasite.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2023

His province of Edom adjoined her own possessions; his ports on the Gulf of Aqaba were open to her merchants, and the frankincense which grew in her dominions was needed for the temple at Jerusalem.

From Early Israel and the Surrounding Nations by Sayce, A. H. (Archibald Henry)