minaret
Americannoun
noun
-
a slender tower of a mosque having one or more balconies from which the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer
-
any structure resembling this
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of minaret
1675–85; < French minaret, Spanish minarete, or Italian minaretto ≪ Arabic manārah lighthouse, perhaps akin to nār fire
Explanation
A minaret is a tall, slim tower on a mosque. Traditionally, a minaret is used to call Muslims to prayer five times each day. Originally built as ventilation systems in hot climates, modern minarets are usually outfitted with speakers, so the call to prayer can be broadcast from the tower. Minarets are also visual cues to Muslims, marking a mosque's location much like the spire on a church does. Minaret is a French word that comes from the Arabic manarah or manarat, meaning "lamp, lighthouse, or minaret."
Vocabulary lists containing minaret
Built To Last: Architectural Parlance
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English Words Derived from Arabic
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National Spelling Bee '14: Prelims Round 2
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Minaret Records, a record label founded in 2019 by Yousef Hilmy, aims to be a beacon of the local Los Angeles jazz community.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2023
Hypothetically, Minaret could exist as a private community thriving with the support of the people who respect Hilmy.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2023
Hilmy takes a hands-on approach to every show Minaret hosts.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2023
He wants more representation for women and queer people within Minaret, and he aspires for the label to participate in charity and education.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2023
The Lady and I are climbing up from the great Mosque of the Ommayyades into the Minaret of the Bride, at the hour of 'Asr, or afternoon prayer.
From Out-of-Doors in the Holy Land Impressions of Travel in Body and Spirit by Van Dyke, Henry
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
