English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

Damascus

duh-MAS-kuhs

Damascus (noun) means the capital city of Syria, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Example: “The old quarter of Damascus is famous for its narrow markets.”

noun
1
The capital city of Syria, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
"The old quarter of Damascus is famous for its narrow markets."

How to use Damascus

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe historic capital city of Syria.

Common pairings
old city of Damascus Damascus steel
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “Damascus” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old quarter of _____ is famous for its narrow markets.

Etymology

From Greek Damaskos, itself from an ancient Semitic name for the city.

Origin: Greek

Dimash

Frequently asked questions

What does “Damascus” mean?

The word “Damascus” means the capital city of Syria, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In plain terms, the historic capital city of Syria.

How do you pronounce “Damascus”?

“Damascus” is pronounced duh-MAS-kuhs (/dəˈmæskəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “Damascus” in a sentence?

Here is “Damascus” used in a sentence: “The old quarter of Damascus is famous for its narrow markets.”

What part of speech is “Damascus”?

“Damascus” is a noun.

Where does the word “Damascus” come from?

The word “Damascus” comes from Greek. From Greek Damaskos, itself from an ancient Semitic name for the city.

Is “Damascus” a common word?

“Damascus” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What country is Damascus the capital of?

Damascus is the capital city of Syria. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Why is Damascus historically significant?

Damascus is notable for being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, giving it a long and layered history as a center of civilization. Its age and continuous habitation make it a frequent reference point in historical and archaeological discussions.

Is Damascus always capitalized?

Yes, as the proper name of a specific city, Damascus should always be capitalized in writing.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial