baghdad
|bag-dad|
/ˈbæɡdæd/
Iraq's capital
Etymology
'baghdad' originates from Middle Persian, specifically the word 'Bagdād' (also recorded as 'Baghdad'), where 'bag' meant 'god' and 'dād'/'dāt' meant 'given'.
'baghdad' changed from the Middle Persian word 'Bagdād' into Arabic 'بَغْدَاد' (Baghdād), and through medieval usage it became the modern English place-name 'Baghdad'.
Initially, it meant 'God-given' (a compound of 'god' + 'given'), but over time it evolved into the proper name for the city now called 'Baghdad'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the capital city of the Republic of Iraq, located on the Tigris River.
Baghdad is the capital of Iraq.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the historical city that was the center of the Abbasid Caliphate and a major medieval center of learning and culture (c. 8th–13th centuries).
During the 9th century, Baghdad was a major center of learning.
Noun 3
used metonymically to refer to the Iraqi government or authorities based in the city.
Baghdad announced new measures to improve security.
Last updated: 2025/12/31 06:24