imam

[ ih-mahm ]

noun

, Islam.

1. the officiating priest of a mosque.
2. the title for a Muslim religious leader or chief.
3. one of a succession of seven or twelve religious leaders, believed to be divinely inspired, of the Shiʿites.

imam

/ ɪˈmɑːm; ɪˈmɑːm; ɪˈmɔːm /

noun

1. a leader of congregational prayer in a mosque
2. a caliph, as leader of a Muslim community
3. an honorific title applied to eminent doctors of Islam, such as the founders of the orthodox schools
4. any of a succession of either seven or twelve religious leaders of the Shiites, regarded by their followers as divinely inspired

Other Words From

• i·mamship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of imam¹

First recorded in 1605–15, imam is from the Arabic word imām leader, guide

Word History and Origins

Origin of imam¹

C17: from Arabic: leader, from amma he guided

Example Sentences

That only intensified the fears of Amsterdam's Jewish community, although local imams and other members of the Muslim community took part in the commemorations.

From BBC

Does the imam really understand how Trump proposes to end Israel’s war on Hamas as well as Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine?

From Los Angeles Times

“The imam was going down the hill and the pressure wave blew him away. He didn't die immediately. He was injured and died at the hospital around five hours later.”

From BBC

Two Islamic State extremists who planned the murder of an imam referred to him as "Voldemort" who was engaging in "black magic", a public inquiry has heard.

From BBC

On this trip, he made a joint call for peace in Jakarta alongside the grand imam of Southeast Asia's largest mosque and met other religious leaders.

From BBC