burj

Burj, from the Arabic word برج, means tower or fortress. It is used in Arabic to refer to tall, prominent structures and serves as a common element in the names of towers, fortifications, and skyscrapers across the Arab world. In English transliteration, the term is typically written as Burj.

Usage and notable examples: The best-known modern use is Burj Khalifa in Dubai, which has held the title of the world's tallest building since its completion in 2010. It was initially named Burj Dubai during construction but was renamed in honor of Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Another prominent example is Burj Al Arab, a luxury hotel in Dubai marketed as a tower and whose name translates to Tower of the Arabs. The word also appears in older fortifications and in various place names throughout the region.

Toponymy and variations: Burj is often part of compound names that describe height, prominence, or centrality. In Arabic toponyms, the word may appear with definite articles or in combination with other descriptors, and transliteration can vary (for example Burj or Buruj in different texts). In English-language media, Burj is capitalized as part of proper nouns. Overall, the term functions as a generic architectural descriptor that has been embedded into many well-known names and local landmarks.