atalaya
|a-ta-la-ya|
/ˌætəˈleɪə/
watchtower / lookout
Etymology
'atalaya' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'atalaya', which ultimately comes from Arabic 'al-ṭalāya', where 'ṭalāya' meant 'watchtower' or 'lookout'.
'atalaya' changed from the Arabic term 'al-ṭalāya' into Spanish as 'atalaya' during the medieval period (under Moorish influence) and was later occasionally borrowed into English in place names and historical descriptions.
Initially, it meant 'watchtower' in the source languages, and over time it has retained that core meaning in modern uses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a watchtower or lookout; a high place used for observation (often used in reference to Spanish or historical contexts).
From the atalaya they could see ships approaching on the horizon.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/09 09:34