Malacca

American  

[muh-lak-uh, -lah-kuh] / məˈlæk ə, -ˈlɑ kə /

noun

1. a state in Malaysia, on the SW Malay Peninsula: formerly a part of the British Straits Settlements and of the Federation of Malaya. 640 sq. mi. (1,658 sq. km).

2. a seaport in and the capital of this state.

3. Strait of, a strait between Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula. 35–185 miles (56–298 km) wide.

---

malacca ¹ British  

/ məˈlækə /

noun

1. the stem of the rattan palm

2. a walking stick made from this stem

---

Malacca ² British  

/ məˈlækə /

noun

1. a state of SW Peninsular Malaysia: rubber plantations. Capital: Malacca. Pop: 635 791 (2000). Area: 1683 sq km (650 sq miles)

---

Other Word Forms

• Malaccan adjective

Example Sentences

The floods, which were caused by a rare cyclone that had formed over the Malacca Strait, have hit three provinces and impacted some 1.4 million people, according to the government's disaster agency.

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

Singapore is the world's top bunkering hub due to its strategic location along the Strait of Malacca, having a well-developed infrastructure and access to refineries.

From Barron's • Nov. 24, 2025

Last month, four people were rescued after a Malaysian coast guard helicopter crashed in the Strait of Malacca.

From New York Times • Apr. 23, 2024

It is only organized when mediums at the Yong Chuan Tian Temple in Malacca receive a command from the Ong Yah deities.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 11, 2024

A few ventured through the Straits of Malacca, past the Philippines, to China.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan