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.

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malacca ¹ British  

/ məˈlækə /

noun

1. the stem of the rattan palm

2. a walking stick made from this stem

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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)

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Other Word Forms

• Malaccan adjective

Example Sentences

Naval blockade means for other critical international waterways, like the Strait of Malacca in Asia, Gan said.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

While Egypt and Panama charge tolls for their canals, international maritime law doesn’t allow governments to charge fees for passage through natural waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz, the English Channel, Gibraltar and Malacca.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

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

Most of the refugees leaving by sea attempt to reach Muslim-majority Malaysia, east of Aceh across the Malacca Strait, in search of work.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 20, 2023

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

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan