timbuktu

• Nom propre désignant une ville du centre du Mali, située près du fleuve Niger, historiquement célèbre comme grand centre de commerce de l'or et de savoir islamique.

A proper noun referring to a city in central Mali, located near the Niger River, historically renowned as a major center for the gold trade.

indénombrable · nom propre

1. City in MaliB2formal

   A historic city in central Mali, located near the Niger River, once a major center for trade, especially gold, and Islamic learning.

   Tombouctou

   • Timbuktu was a key hub for the trans-Saharan gold trade.
   • Scholars from across Africa traveled to Timbuktu to study.
   • The ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu are a priceless cultural treasure.

2. Metaphor for a distant placeB2informal

   Used figuratively to refer to any remote or faraway location.

   Tombouctou (lieu très éloigné)

   • He lives out in Timbuktu, miles from the nearest town.
   • I'd have to travel to Timbuktu to find that rare book.
   • She felt like she was in Timbuktu, isolated from the rest of the world.

   Synonymesback of beyondboondocksnowhere