The noun has 3 meanings:
Meaning #1:
originally a stronghold captured by David (the 2nd king of the Israelites); above it was built a temple and later the name extended to the whole hill; finally it became a synonym for the city of Jerusalem
Synonym: Zion
Meaning #2:
Jewish republic in southwestern Asia at eastern end of Mediterranean; formerly part of Palestine
Synonyms: Israel, State of Israel, Yisrael, Zion
Meaning #3:
an imaginary place considered to be perfect or ideal
Synonyms: Utopia, Zion
