Definition

Noun: 1. A major holy city in Shiite Islam: Mashhad is a city in Iran revered as a sacred site, primarily because it houses the shrine of Imam Reza, the eighth Imam in Twelver Shiism. 2. A geographical location in Iran: Mashhad is the capital city of Razavi Khorasan Province, located in the northeastern part of Iran.

Usage Examples

• Pilgrims from around the world travel to Mashhad each year.
• Mashhad is one of the most populous cities in Iran.
• The economy of Mashhad is significantly influenced by religious tourism.

Advanced Usage

• "The Mashhad of...": In historical or literary contexts, the name can be used metaphorically to refer to a place of pilgrimage or great reverence, though this is rare.
  • The library became a Mashhad for scholars of ancient texts.

Variants and Related Words

• Mashhadi (adjective): Of or relating to the city of Mashhad.
  • She bought a beautiful Mashhadi carpet.
• Meshed: An alternate, older English spelling for Mashhad.

Synonyms

• Holy city (in the specific context of Shiite Islam)
• Pilgrimage center
• Shrine city

Different Meanings

The word "Mashhad" is a proper noun referring specifically to this Iranian city. It does not have other general meanings in English. Its significance is almost exclusively religious and geographical.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• There are no common English idioms or phrasal verbs using the proper noun "Mashhad."

Noun

1. the holy city of Shiite Muslims; located in northeastern Iran