Moorish

[ moor-ish ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the Moors, a Muslim people of NW Africa.
2. in the style of the Moors, as architecture or decoration.

ˈMoorish

/ ˈmʊərɪʃ; ˈmɔː- /

adjective

1. of or relating to the Moors
2. denoting the style of architecture used in Spain from the 13th to 16th century, characterized by the horseshoe arch

Word History and Origins

Origin of Moorish¹

First recorded in 1400–50, Moorish is from the late Middle English word morys. See Moor, -ish ¹

Example Sentences

“I believe this is one of the first co-op buildings in California,” he says, stopping in front of the Moorish Colonial-style Castle Green apartment building that was once a long-term hotel for wealthy travelers who used Pasadena as a winter escape.

From Los Angeles Times

In April, Kyran Caples, who police say was radicalized while at Fresno State and joined an obscure antigovernment group known as the Moorish sovereign citizens, shot and critically wounded two police officers in Florida.

From Los Angeles Times

The tool reached Europe through the Moorish conquest of much of Spain.

From New York Times

Drought-stricken farmers in Spain have reclaimed medieval Moorish irrigation technology.

From Salon

Teams of horsemen dressed as Spanish, Moorish, African and Indigenous warriors engage in mock battles with spears and lances.

From New York Times