moorish

Everyday

1. To do with the Moors, the Muslim people from North Africa who ruled much of Spain and Portugal for hundreds of years in the Middle Ages. tree →
2. In the style of Moorish art and buildings, with arches, tiles, patterns and courtyards. tree →
3. (UK, informal, usually spelled "moreish") So tasty that you want more. tree →

In the lessons

Used in history and art lessons about Spain (the Alhambra in Granada is a famous Moorish palace), in geography and in travel. The everyday UK food sense is usually spelled "moreish", and people often mix the two up. Phrases: "Moorish architecture", "Moorish Spain".

Examples

• The Alhambra in Granada is a beautiful Moorish palace. tree →
• Moorish buildings often have horseshoe-shaped arches. tree →
• The walls were covered in Moorish tiles with star patterns. tree →
• Moorish scholars brought new ideas in maths and science to Europe. tree →
• We learned about Moorish Spain in our history topic. tree →
• These crisps are really moreish, I can't stop eating them! (UK) tree →
• The courtyard had a Moorish fountain in the middle. tree →

Note

Capital M when it is about the Moors. Trap: "moreish" (tasty, UK) is a different word with a different spelling, but they sound the same. "Moor" (a person) is also different from "moor" (wild, open hilly land in the UK, like Dartmoor).