Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
medina

medina

1 8.9
An old part of a North African city with narrow streets and walls
  • noun
  • /məˈdiːnə/
: medina
  • The old medina is a maze of winding streets and endless photographic opportunities—the ideal place to start your journey and become acclimated to the country.

Examples

  • In Fez, the medina is filled with narrow streets and traditional markets that attract many tourists.

  • In marked contrast to all other cities in North Africa, Tripoli's medina seems even quieter than its modern quarters.

    Academic text (2002)

  • The golden medina, we called it in the old country.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • I bought this in the medina, but it won't open.

    Hideous Kinky (1999)

  • The women embroiderers of Mahdia are also employed by Karim el-Arousse, but work from their homes in the medina and take great pride in their creations.

    Academic text (2004)

  • They spent hours exploring the medina, marveling at the intricate architecture and bustling atmosphere.

  • The historical medina of Marrakech is known for its vibrant souks and rich cultural heritage.

Surface Forms

medina singular
medinas plural

Etymology

Medina comes from the Arabic madīnah, which means 'city'. A medina is the old, often walled part of a town with narrow streets and markets, so the name helps you remember it is the 'old city' area.